Morphometric Evaluation of Bony Nasolacrimal Canal in a Caucasian Population with Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction: A Multidetector Computed Tomography Study

OBJECTIVE: The bony nasolacrimal duct (BNLD) morphology as a contributory factor in primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) is still controversial. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the morphometric differences of BNLDs in unilateral PANDO patients between PANDO and non-PANDO sides, as compared with the control group using multidetector computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bilateral BNLDs in 39 unilateral PANDO patients and 36 control subjects were retrospectively reviewed. CT images with 0.5-mm thickness were obtained with a 64-slice scanner. The length, volume, coronal orientation type, sagittal orientation angle of BNLD, and relative lacrimal sac-BNLD angle were assessed. The entrance, minimum and distal end transverse diameters (TD) of BNLD was investigated. RESULTS: The mean minimum and distal end BNLD TDs measurements were significantly narrower in PANDO patients, both in PANDO and non-PANDO sides, as compared with the control group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.040, respectively); however, there were no significant differences between PANDO and non-PANDO sides within PANDO patients. The length, entrance TD, volume, coronal orientation type, sagittal orientation angle of BNLD, and relative lacrimal sac-BNLD angle were not significantly different between PANDO patients and control subjects, as well as between PANDO and non-PANDO sides within PANDO patients. CONCLUSION: The narrow mean minimum and distal end BNLD TD in PANDO patients, in both PANDO and non-PANDO sides, may be associated with PANDO development. The lack of difference between PANDO and non-PANDO sides within PANDO patients and some overlap between PANDO patients and control subjects suggest that narrow BNLD is not the sole factor.

Rare cause of bilateral groin swelling: round ligament varicosities

Round ligament varicosity [RLV] is rare and almost all cases are pregnant women. RLV appears as a unilateral or bilateral groin swelling. Pain and tenderness may present. Clinical evaluation is inadequate for exact diagnosis because inguinal hernia has similar findings. Ultrasonography [US] is essential when a groin swelling is detected in a pregnant woman. We present gray scale US and colour Doppler US findings of a 32-week pregnant woman with bilateral RLVs at the inguinal canal, parauterine area and in the myometrium