Rhinological Status of Patients with Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

Abstract Introduction Studying the state of the nasal cavity and its sinuses and the morphometric parameters of the inferior nasal conchae, as well as a comparative analysis of obtained values in patients with primary (PANDO) and secondary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (SALDO), is relevant. Objective To study the rhinological status of patients with PANDO) and SALDO). Methods The present study was based on the results of computed tomography (CT) dacryocystography in patients with PANDO (n =45) and SALDO due to exposure to radioactive iodine (n = 14). The control group included CT images of paranasal sinuses in patients with no pathology (n =49). Rhinological status according to the Newman and Lund-Mackay scales and volume of the inferior nasal conchae were assessed. Statistical processing included nonparametric statistics methods; χ2 Pearson test; and the Spearman rank correlation method. Results The difference in values of the Newman and Lund-Mackay scales for the tested groups was significant. A significant difference in scores by the Newman scale was revealed when comparing the results of patients with SALDO and PANDO. Comparing the scores by the Lund-Mackay scale, a significant difference was found between the results of patients with SALDO and PANDO and between the results of patients with PANDO and the control group. Conclusion It was demonstrated that the rhinological status of patients with PANDO was worse than that of patients with SALDO and of subjects in the control group. No connection was found between the volume of the inferior nasal conchae and the development of lacrimal duct obstruction.

Study on the angle between the long axis of lacrimal sac and bony nasolacrimal duct in patients with chronic dacryocystitis / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To analyze the difference of the angle between the long axis of lacrimal sac and bony nasolacrimal duct(BNLD)in patients with chronic dacryocystitis and normal eyes, and discuss the relationship between the angle and chronic dacryocystitis.<p>METHODS:A total of 218 patients(248 diseased eyes)from Sichuan Province who visited the ophthalmology department of our hospital from January 2016 to March 2019 were collected retrospectively. All patients underwent computed tomography dacryocystography(CT-DCG)immediately after bilateral lacrimal duct irrigation, and three-dimensional reconstruction of the nasolacrimal duct structure was performed. The structures of the nasolacrimal duct, lacrimal sac and its surrounding tissues were observed in the coronal position, and the lacrimal sac-BNLD angles of the diseased eyes and the normal eyes were measured respectively.<p>RESULTS:The lacrimal sac-BNLD angle of the diseased eyes \〖23.55°(17.30°, 29.90°)\〗 was higher than that of the normal eyes \〖20.05°(15.40°, 28.35°)\〗(<i>P</i><0.05). Among them, the angle of the diseased eyes in female patients \〖24.60°(17.75°, 31.00°)\〗 was significantly higher than that in normal eyes \〖21.15°(15.10°, 27.35°)\〗(<i>P</i><0.05), while there was no significant difference in the angle between the diseased eyes and normal eyes in male patients(<i>P</i>>0.05). In addition, the angle of the diseased eyes in the age group of 41-60 a \〖25.20°(17.90°, 33.00°)\〗 was significantly higher than that in normal eyes \〖21.60°(15.25°, 29.05°)\〗(<i>P</i><0.05).<p>CONCLUSION: The angle between the long axis of lacrimal sac and bony nasolacrimal duct increased in patients with chronic dacryocystitis, which may be one of the factors causing the onset of chronic dacryocystitis in middle-aged and elderly women.

Development of Predictive Models in Patients with Epiphora Using Lacrimal Scintigraphy and Machine Learning / 대한핵의학회잡지

PURPOSE: We developed predictive models using different programming languages and different computing platforms for machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) that classify clinical diagnoses in patients with epiphora. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of these models.METHODS: Between January 2016 and September 2017, 250 patients with epiphora who underwent dacryocystography (DCG) and lacrimal scintigraphy (LS) were included in the study. We developed five different predictive models using ML tools, Python-based TensorFlow, R, and Microsoft Azure Machine Learning Studio (MAMLS). A total of 27 clinical characteristics and parameters including variables related to epiphora (VE) and variables related to dacryocystography (VDCG) were used as input data. Apart from this, we developed two predictive convolutional neural network (CNN) models for diagnosing LS images. We conducted this study using supervised learning.RESULTS: Among 500 eyes of 250 patients, 59 eyes had anatomical obstruction, 338 eyes had functional obstruction, and the remaining 103 eyes were normal. For the data set that excluded VE and VDCG, the test accuracies in Python-based TensorFlow, R, multiclass logistic regression in MAMLS, multiclass neural network in MAMLS, and nuclear medicine physician were 81.70%, 80.60%, 81.70%, 73.10%, and 80.60%, respectively. The test accuracies of CNN models in three-class classification diagnosis and binary classification diagnosis were 72.00% and 77.42%, respectively.CONCLUSIONS: ML-based predictive models using different programming languages and different computing platforms were useful for classifying clinical diagnoses in patients with epiphora and were similar to a clinician's diagnostic ability.

Study the diameter of nasolacrimal duct in patients with obstructive diseases of nasolacrimal duct / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM:To measure the transverse diameter of nasolacrimal duct in patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction,and to analyze the difference of the transverse diameter of the upper,middle and lower nasal nasolacrimal ducts between the diseased eyes and the normal eyes,between the male and the female eyes,and of different ages and sexes and then explore the correlation between the diameter of nasolacrimal duct and nasolacrimal duct obstruction based on computed tomography (CT) dacryocystography.METHODS:From April 2014 to January 2017 in Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital of ophthalmology in tears or pus for complaints,diagnosis of nasolacrimal duct obstruction in 152 patients (179 sick eyes,125 normal eyes).Among them 25 cases were male (sick eyes 28 eyes,normal eye 22 eyes),127 cases were female (sick eves 151 eyes,normal eyes 103 eyes),age from 4 to 87 years old,mean age 53.44±16.06 years old.All patients with perfusion of 30％ iohexol injection in lacrimal passages,and immediately examined with CT scan,upload CT images on PACS workstation for 3D reconstruction of nasolacrimal duct,oblique coronal of nasolacrimal duct and its adjacent structure were observed.We measured and analyzed the transverse diameters of the upper,middle and lower nasal nasolacrimal ducts between men and women,diseased eyes and non diseased eyes,and between the diseased eyes of different age groups.RESULTS:The transverse diameter of the upper,middle and lower nasal nasolacrimal duct was no significant difference between the diseased eye and the normal eye,between the male and female diseased eyes,and between the diseased eyes of different age groups (P＞0.05).The transverse diameters of the upper,middle and lower nasolacrimal ducts were significantly different between the diseased eyes and the normal eyes (P＜0.001),and the transverse diameter of the middle mouth was the smallest.CONCLUSION:Transverse diameter of bony nasolacrimal duct is not a risk factor for nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

Clinical Efficacy of Lacrimal Endoscopy in Patients with Epiphora

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of lacrimal endoscopy in patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) and to compare the dacryocystography (DCG) and lacrimal endoscopic findings between patients with epiphora. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 31 eyes of 23 patients who underwent an irrigation test, DCG, and lacrimal endoscopy from December 2014 to February 2016. We compared the clinical characteristics, and dacryocystographic findings, and lacrimal endoscopic findings of the patients, and analyzed whether or not these findings agree. RESULTS: Thirty-one eyes showed complete obstruction (13 eyes, 41.9%), partial obstruction (7 eyes, 22.6%), or patency (11 eyes, 35.5%) on irrigation test. Thirteen eyes with complete obstruction on irrigation test presented with complete obstruction (11 eyes, 84.6%) or secondary dilation (2 eyes, 15.4%) of the lacrimal sac at DCG. In terms of the level of obstruction, there was no difference between the two examinations. However, twelve eyes with complete obstruction at DCG; showed narrowing (4 eyes, 33%), granulation tissue (3 eye, 25%), mucus occlusion (2 eyes, 17%), stones (1 eye, 8%), or mucosal edema (2 eyes, 17%) on lacrimal endoscopy. Nineteen eyes with partial obstruction at DCG showed narrowing (6 eyes, 32%), mucus (5 eye, 26%), granulation tissue (4 eyes, 21%), or stones (4 eyes, 21%) on lacrimal endoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Lacrimal endoscopy allowed real-time observation inside the lacrimal passage that cannot be detected using DCG. Both methods provide comprehensive investigations of the nasolacrimal passage system, and these methods are complementary to understand the pathophysiology of nasolacrimal duct obstruction as well as planning treatment. Lacrimal endoscopy is very useful in investigating the lacrimal drainage passage in patients with NLDO, and this method is comparable to DCG.

Comparison of Results and Complications between 0.64 mm and 0.94 mm Silicone Tube Intubation in Adults

PURPOSE: To compare surgical success rates and complications of silicone tube intubation using 0.64-mm- and 0.94-mm-diameter tubes in adult patients with nasolacrimal duct stenosis. METHODS: In 62 eyes of 36 patients diagnosed with nasolacrimal duct stenosis who had undergone silicone tube intubation, we surveyed sex, age, symptom duration, time of tube removal, mean follow-up period, and surgical success rate between two groups divided by silicone tube diameter, 0.64 mm and 0.94 mm. By preoperative syringing test and dacryocystography, we examined the surgical results and complications of the two groups. RESULTS: The silicone tube diameter was 0.64 mm in 43 eyes (69.4%) and 0.94 mm in 19 eyes (30.2%). The surgical success rates in the two groups were 84.1% (36 eyes) and 78.9% (15 eyes), respectively, but the difference was not significant statistically. The surgical success rate was higher in partial stenosis than in complete stenosis but was not different according to silicone tube diameter according to preoperative syringing test and dacryocystography. Silicone tube disconnection and bending were only observed in 0.94-mm-diameter silicone tubes. CONCLUSIONS: In silicone tube intubation for nasolacrimal duct stenosis in adults, silicone tube diameter does not affect operation success. However, silicone tube disconnection and bending were observed only in the 0.94 mm silicone tube.

Avaliação da epífora de cães usando dacriocistografia e tomografia computadorizada / Epiphora assessment of dogs with dacryocystography and computed tomography

A avaliação da epífora pode ser feita por exames clínicos, testes de excreção lacrimal, exames contrastados, como avaliação radiológica e estudo tomográfico; estes dois últimos permitem análise minuciosa das estruturas. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a via lacrimal excretora com uso de radiografia e tomografia computadorizada contrastadas, feitas em animais com epífora, comparando-se com animais sadios, sem essa afecção. Foram utilizados 20 cães, de raças e pelagens variadas, machos e fêmeas, com peso de 1 a 20 kg, com 0,7 a 8 anos de idade, apresentando epífora (grupo epífora - GE). Como grupo de controle (GC), foram utilizados 15 cães, sem alterações clínicas de drenagem do sistema lacrimonasal de raças e pelagens variadas, machos e fêmeas, pesando 1 a 20 kg, com 0,7 a 8 anos. Foi proposta a divisão do sistema de drenagem lacrimal em quatro regiões. Na região 1, o GE teve 29 (76,3%) animais com dilatação visibilizada pelo R-X e 32 (84,2%) pela TC; no GC, 4 (12,5%) no R-X e 1 (3,1%) na TC demonstraram dilatação. Na região 3, 13 (34,2%) cães evidenciaram dilatação do DLN no R-X e 14 (36,8%) na TC; e 21 (55,3%) comunicação do ducto lacrimonasal com o seio nasal pelo R-X e 28 (73,7%) pela TC. Já no GC, 15 (46,9%) pelo R-X e 22 (68,7%) pela TC possuíam comunicação do ducto lacrimonasal com o seio nasal. Concluiu-se que: dilatações também podem ser observadas em alguns cães sem sinal clínico da afecção; comunicação do ducto lacrimonasal com o seio nasal não indica alteração causadora de epífora, pois está presente em animais com e sem afecção; os dados do presente estudo confirmam que o exame DCG por si pode dar importantes informações, de forma semelhante à TC, devendo-se recorrer à ela apenas quando houver dúvidas sobre lesões ósseas, fraturas e corpos estranhos não detectados pelo primeiro...

Epiphora evaluation can be done through clinical exams, lachrymal excretion tests, contrasted exams, like radiologic evaluation and tomography studies; those last two allow a detailed analysis of the structures. The present study had as the objective to evaluate the lacrimal drainage system through radiography and contrasted computed tomography, which were made with animals presenting epiphora, comparing them to healthy animals, without the mentioned condition. Twenty dogs were used for tests, from a variety of breeds and coatings, males and females, weight varying from 1kg to 20kg, ages varying from 0.7 to 8 years old, presenting epiphora (epiphora group - GE*). As a control group (GC*) 15 dogs were used, with no clinical alterations of naso-lachrymal drainage system, from different breeds and coatings, males and females, weighing from 1kg to 20kg and ages varying from 0.7 to 8 years old. It was propoused the division of the lacrimal drainage system in four regions. On region 1, the GE had 29 (76.3%) animals with dilation visualized by the RX and 32 (84.2%) by CT, the GC, 4 (12.5%) in the RX and 1 (3.1% ) CT showed dilation. In region 3, 13 (34.2%) dogs showed dilatation of the DLN in RX and 14 (36.8%) on CT, and 21 (55.3%) nasolacrimal duct communication with the sinus and the X-ray 28 (73.7%) by CT. For the CG, 15 (46.9%) the X-ray and 22 (68.7%) by CT had nasolacrimal duct communication with the nasal sinus. It has been concluded that dilations can also be observed in some dogs with no clinical signs of disease; nasolacrimal duct communication to sinus does not indicate epiphora causing alteration, as it is present in animals with and without affection; the present study data confirm that DCG itself can provide important informations, in a similar manner to CT, and should resort to it just in case of doubts about bone lesions, fractures and foreign bodies undetected at first...

Results of Silicone Tube Intubation in Patients with Common Canalicular Obstruction in Dacryocystography

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of silicone tube intubation in patients showing common canalicular obstruction in dacryocystography. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 136 eyes of 93 patients who underwent silicone tube intubation and who were followed for more than 6 months. The patients were divided into 2 groups: the normal canaliculus group (112 eyes of 72 patients) and the common canalicular obstruction group (24 eyes of 21 patients). The demographic characteristics, degree of nasolacrimal duct obstruction on probing, and functional and anatomical success rates of silicone tube intubation were compared between the two groups. Surgery success was noted when the patient was satisfied with the 'improved' tearing symptom and the tear meniscus height decreased. RESULTS: On probing, 17 (70.8%) of 27 eyes revealed definite obstructive feeling at nasolacrimal duct in the common canalicular obstruction group, and there was no significant difference compared to the normal canaliculus group (p = 0.639). The anatomical success rate of silicone tube intubation was 91.1% in the normal canaliculus group and 83.3% in the common canalicular obstruction group, and the functional success rate was 85.7% in the normal canaliculus group and 75.0% in the common canalicular obstruction group. There were no significant differences in success rates between the two groups (p = 0.271, p = 0.161, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Silicone tube intubation can be considered as a primary treatment option for management of common canalicular obstruction.

Comparison Results of Silicone Tube Intubation According to Syringing and Dacryocystography

PURPOSE: To compare the surgical success rate of silicone tube intubation according to the preoperative lacrimal syringing test and dacryocystography (DCG) in adult patients with epiphora. METHODS: Medical records of 142 patients who underwent silicone tube intubation were retrospectively reviewed. The surgical results were divided into 3 groups based on postoperative symptoms and the syringing test results: Good, Fair, and Fail. Good and Fair were classified into the surgical success groups. We compared the surgical success rate according to the preoperative syringing test and stenosis site observed on dacryocystography. RESULTS: The success rates of silicone tube intubation were 88.4% and 87.4% in eyes with preoperative syringing results of totally-passed and partially-passed syringing tests, respectively, revealing no statistically significant differences (p = 0.838, chi-square test). However, in eyes with the preoperative syringing results of partially-passed syringing tests, the success rates were 66.7% in patients with canalicular stenosis, 83.3% in patients with nasolacrimal duct stenosis, and 94.5% in those with diffuse stenosis (p = 0.018, chi-square test). CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences were found in the success rates of silicone tube intubation according to preoperative syringing test results. However, when considered together with DCG findings, the lowest success rate was found in eyes with the partially-passed syringing test and simultaneously showed canalicular stenosis on DCG. The syringing test results considered with DCG findings may help predict the success rates of silicone tube intubation.

Dacryocystographic Findings in Unilateral Epiphora with Patent Lacrimal Drainage System

PURPOSE: To evaluate the morphologic change in the lacrimal drainage system using dacryocystography in patients with unilateral epiphora with patent lacrimal drainage system. METHODS: Clinical records of patients referred to our clinic for epiphora between October 2007 and August 2011 were reviewed. The study group included 38 patients who had symptoms of unilateral epiphora with patent lacrimal drainage system. The studied patients included 10 males and 28 females with ages varying between 24 and 72 years. RESULTS: Abnormal dacryocystographic findings in the tearing eye were 78.9% and abnormal dacryocystographic findings in the asymptomatic eye were 47.4%. Common abnormal findings included distal nasolacrimal duct stenosis, distal nasolacrimal duct dilatation and nasolacrimal sac dilatation. CONCLUSIONS: In many cases, morphologic change in the lacrimal drainage system was observed in patients with unilateral epiphora with patent lacrimal drainage system. Dacryocystographic findings may contribute in devising a treatment plan for these patients.

Success Rate of Silicone Intubation Between Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction and Stenosis According to Dacryocystography

PURPOSE: This study compares the success rate of silicone tube intubation between nasolacrimal duct obstruction and stenosis according to dacryocystographic findings. METHODS: A total of 115 patients who suffered from epiphora were divided into nasolacrimal duct obstruction and nasolacrimal duct stenosis according to dacryocystographic findings. Silicone tube intubation was performed on every patient. The success rate was estimated based on functional and anatomical success. Functional success was estimated by patient's satisfaction with 'good' or 'fair' at the last visit, and anatomical success was estimated by decrease or normalization of tear meniscus height. Surgery success was defined when anatomical and functional successes were fulfilled. RESULTS: Success rate of silicone tube intubation was 75.76% for patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction based on dacryocystography, and 86.59% for patients with nasolacrimal duct stenosis based on dacryocystography; the difference was not statistically significant (Pearson chi-square test, p = 0.693). CONCLUSIONS: Silicone tube intubation can be considered as a primary treatment option for management of epiphora in nasolacrimal duct stenosis and obstruction.

Computed tomography dacryocystography research of nasolacrimal duct of unilateral congenital nasolacrimal obstruction / 中华实验眼科杂志

BackgroundThe three-dimensional configuration of the nasolacrimal canal is highly variable with age,gender,and race.But enlargement of the nasolacrimal canal has sparsely been reported in the literature.Objective Computed tomography dacryocystography was performed in patients with unilateral congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction and normal children to analyze the difference of bilateral nasolacrimal canal.MethodsThis is a retrospective study.Axial scanwith sagittalandcoronalreconstructionwas appliedin computedtomography dacryocystography.Diameters of bilateral nasolacrimal canal of 20 unilateral congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction patients and 20 normal children were measured.Written informed consent was obtained from each child ' s parents before examination.ResultsThe lacrimal sac,nasolacrimal duct and the peripheral tissue were clearly exhibited by computed tomography dacryocystography.The diameters of the origination,the middle part and the distal end of affected nasolacrimal duct were(5.5±1.4),(5.3±1.2),(5.3±1.6) mm,and normal ones were(3.9±0.8 ),(3.5± 0.8 ),( 3.9± 1.3 ) mm,respectively.These results were statistically significant ( t =5.200,6.967,2.932,P＜ 0.05 ).There was no statistically significant difference in bilateral nasolacrimal canal of normal children (t =0.346,0.281,0.312,P＞0.05 ).Conclusions Computed tomography dacryocystography can image lacrimal passage and their peripheral tissues clearly.The affected nasolacrimal canal diameters of unilateral congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction were much larger than the fellow sides.The pathogenesis of this phenomenon need much research.

Frequency and Characteristic Findings of the Common Canaliculus in Koreans

PURPOSE: To investigate the different types of anatomical connection between the lacrimal sac and the canaliculi using digital subtraction dacryocystography (DCG) in Koreans. METHODS: The authors of the present study performed digital subtraction DCG in Korean patients who presented with epiphora from January 2010 until December 2010. The 248 patients (496 eyes) who achieved a satisfactory DCG image were classified as follows: 1) type I: visible common canaliculus (CC), 2) type II: no visible CC and the canaliculi entering the sac at the point where they meet on the sac wall (common opening), 3) type III: no visible CC and common opening, and each canaliculus entering the sac from different points. RESULTS: Out of a total of 496 eyes, CC was observed in 449 eyes (type I: 90.5%). In 41 eyes (8.3%), the CC was absent (type II), but the upper and lower canaliculi joined at the wall of the lacrimal sac. In 6 eyes (1.2%), the upper and lower canaliculi entered the sac separately (type III). Eighteen patients (7.3%) showed different types of lacrimal drainage system between the 2 eyes. CONCLUSIONS: The CC may not exist in all patients, and the type of anatomical connection between the lacrimal sac and the canaliculi may be different between the eyes in the same individuals. Although such patients comprise a minority, anatomical knowledge of the lacrimal drainage system could be helpful to assess and manage patients with lacrimal drainage disorder.

The application of CT-DCG and 3D reconstruction in Patients with Asymptomatic Lacrimal flow and nasal structural abnomalities / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To explore the value of computed tomographic DacryocystographyCT-DCGand computed tomographic three-dimensional3Dreconstruction with lacrimal passages in asymptomatic lacrimal flow patients with nasal structural abnomalities. Method: In 2006-2010, 18 nasal structural abnomalities cases with asymptomatic lacrimal flow and nasal obstruction were enrolled, the lacrimal flow caused by ocular region was obviated. Of all the 18 hypertrophic inferior turbinate cases, there were 12 cases accompanied with nasal septum deviation. The radiofrequency ablation of inferior turbinate and nasal septum deviation surgery under nasaI endoscope were takenThe CT-DCG and 3D reconstruction examines were observed preoperative and postoperative. All the patients were followed-up for 12 months. Result: 18 nasal structural abnomalities were corrected. The nasal obstruction were recoveried and improved in 1477.8%and 422.2% cases respectively. The symptom of epiphora had disappeared and improved in 1372.2% and 5 cases27.8%. Partial obstruction of the internal ostium was found preoperative and resolved postoperative with CT-DCG and 3D reconstruction. Conclusion: CT-DCG and 3D reconstruction can evaluate the asymptomatic alterationsof the normal lacrimal outflow in cases with nasal structural abnomalities, suggesting that they have great value in clinical applications.

Changes in the Lacrimal Excretory System Depending on the Administration Mode of Brimonidine Tartrate: Spray vs. Irrigation

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of 0.15% brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution spray on the luminal changes in the nasolacrimal excretory system. METHODS: A prospective study was performed on 52 eyes in 26 patients complaining of epiphora in both eyes. The randomly-assigned 26 test eyes (cases) received spray of the solution through the nasal cavity, and the other 26 eyes (controls) were irrigated with the same drug through the inferior calnaliculus. Dacryocystography was then performed to observe the luminal changes jn the nasolacrimal excretory system, patient symptoms and physiologic drainage functions. RESULTS: The changes in lumen width of the nasolacrimal duct (NLD) were noted, and the changes in lumen width of the lacrimal sac were not significant in either mode. The upper and middle parts of the NLD were widened more in the irrigation group, and the lower part of the NLD was widened more in the spray group. Though there was no significant difference in the physiologic drainage functions, the patients in both groups reported reduced symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Brimonidine tartrate spray altered the width of the NLD and improved the subjective symptoms of patients. Therefore, the spray can be applied in functional NLD obstruction patients before the surgical procedure.

Effects in Lumen Width of Nasolacrimal Drainage System After Adrenergic Drug Irrigation

PURPOSE: The lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct are surrounded by a wide cavernous system of veins and arteries, and the blood vessels of the cavernous body are innnervated by the autonomic nervous system. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an adrenergic agonist on the lumen width of the nasolacrimal drainage system. METHODS: Dacryocystography was performed on 35 patients with only epiphora and not nasolacrimal duct obstruction. The anteroposterior (AP) diameters and the oblque diameters of the nasolacrimal ducts were measured. Next, 18 patients were infused with 0.5 ml Alphagan-P(R) (alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist), 17 patients were infused with 0.5 ml DL methylephedrine hydrochloride (alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist), and dacryocystography was performed again to determine the change in the lumen width of the nasolacrimal drainage system. RESULTS: The alpha-adrenergics caused a significant increase in the lumen width of the nasolacrimal drainage system, and the changes were more pronounced in the nasolacrimal duct than in the lacrimal sac. Although the nasolacrimal duct widening was more notable in the Alphagan-P(R) infusion group than the DL methylephedrine hydrochloride infusion group, there was no significant statistical difference. Patients' subjective symptoms improved in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The alpha-adrenergics constrict the blood vessels of the cavernous body, leading to the increase in the lumen width of the nasolacrimal drainage system. This effect was more significant in the Alphagan-P(R) infusion group. In conclusion, infusion of alpha-adrenergics in patients with functional nasolacrimal duct obstruction can be considered as an alternative to surgical management.

Silicone Intubation and Dacryocystographic Finding in Incomplete Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

PURPOSE: To assess the relationship between the internal diameter of the nasolacrimal duct and the success rate of silicone tube intubation in incomplete nasolacrimal duct obstruction patients with epiphora. METHODS: Dacryocystography was performed 80 patients with symptoms of epiphora and the anteroposterior (AP) diameters and the lateral diameters of the nasolacrimal ducts were measured. These measurements were compared between the group of patients who demonstrated improvement after the operation, and the group without symptom improvement. RESULTS: The mean length of the nasolacrimal duct in the group with nasolacrimal stenosis was 11.7+/-0.1 mm, the mean lateral diameter was 1.0+/-0.2 mm, and the mean AP diameter was 1.1+/-0.1 mm. The AP diameter of the symptomatic nasolacrimal duct in the group with successful postoperative results was 1.1+/-0.1 mm, and 0.9+/-0.1 mm in the group with unsuccessful results. The group with successful postoperative results had an average of 18.1+/-7.0% stenosis in the side of the eye with nasolacrimal duct stenosis compared with the asymptomatic side, and the group with unsuccessful postoperative results had an average of 34%+/-3.6% stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: In cases with nasolacrimal duct stenosis, the success rate of silicone tube intubation was high when the AP diameter of the nasolacrimal duct was more than 1.1+/-0.1 mm and when the stenosis was less than 18.1+/-7.0% in the symptomatic side compared with the opposite side. These results are expected to help predict the success rates when preoperatively planning silicone tube intubation.

Ressonância magnética das vias lacrimais: estudo comparativo entre bobinas de superfície convencionais e microscópicas / Magnetic resonance dacryocystography: comparison between conventional surface coils and microscopic coils

OBJETIVO: A ressonância magnética tem sido utilizada para avaliar as vias lacrimais, com vantagens em relação à dacriocistografia por raios-X. O objetivo deste trabalho é obter imagens de alta resolução utilizando bobinas de superfície microscópicas para avaliação de estruturas normais das vias lacrimais, comparando com o aspecto observado utilizando-se bobinas de superfície convencionais. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Cinco voluntários assintomáticos, sem histórico de lacrimejamento, submeteram-se a ressonância magnética de alto campo, com bobinas de superfície (convencional e microscópica), com seqüência STIR após instilação de soro fisiológico. A identificação das estruturas anatômicas normais das vias lacrimais foi comparada utilizando-se as duas bobinas. Mediante uso de um sistema de escore, um valor médio de cada estrutura foi calculado por dois examinadores, consensualmente. RESULTADOS: Em 90 por cento das vezes houve aumento do escore, atribuído à estrutura anatômica no estudo com a bobina microscópica. Em média, houve aumento de 1,17 ponto no escore, por estrutura anatômica visualizada, quando se utilizou a bobina microscópica. Observou-se, ainda, melhora subjetiva da relação sinal-ruído ao se utilizar a bobina microscópica. CONCLUSÃO: A dacriocistografia por ressonância magnética com bobinas microscópicas é um método adequado para o estudo das vias lacrimais, resultando em imagens de melhor qualidade quando comparada ao uso de bobinas de superfície convencionais.

OBJECTIVE: Magnetic resonance imaging has been utilized in the evaluation of the lacrimal apparatus with some advantages over conventional dacryocystography. The present study was aimed at acquiring high-resolution images utilizing microscopic coils for evaluating typical structures of the lacrimal apparatus as compared with the findings observed with conventional surface coils. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five asymptomatic volunteers with no history of epiphora were submitted to high-field magnetic resonance imaging with microscopic and conventional surface coils, and STIR sequence after instillation of saline solution. The definition of normal anatomic structures of lacrimal apparatuses was compared utilizing conventional and microscopic surface coils. Based on a consensual scoring system, the mean values for each structure were calculated by two observers. RESULTS: In 90 percent of cases, higher scores were attributed to images acquired with the microscopic coil. On average, a 1.17 point increase was observed in the scoring of anatomic structures imaged with the microscopic coil. Additionally, a subjective improvement was observed in the signal-to-noise ratio with the microscopic coil. CONCLUSION: Magnetic resonance dacryocystography with microscopic coils is the appropriate method for evaluating the lacrimal apparatus, providing images with better quality as compared with those acquired with conventional surface coils.

Ectasia do sistema lacrimal: uma variação anatômica: relato de caso e revisão da literatura / Lacrimal system ectasia: an anatomical variation: review of the literature

Os autores relatam o caso de um paciente com lacrimejamento bilateral, que à dacriocistografia apresentou acentuada dilatação do sistema lacrimal, sem sinais de obstrução. Na prática clínica, é comum o encontro de dilatação de vias lacrimais, geralmente em associação a obstrução distal destas. A ausência de fator obstrutivo no caso descrito suscitou a hipótese de tratar-se de variação anatômica. O objeto do presente estudo é a análise desta hipótese por meio de revisão da literatura sobre a anatomia normal e variações das vias lacrimais. Também é descrita a técnica de realização da dacriocistografia com subtração digital em nossa instituição e sua correlação com os achados tomográficos.

The authors report the case of a patient with tear discharge in both eyes. A dacryocystography was obtained and showed marked dilation of the lacrimal system without signs of obstruction. In clinical practice it is common to find distal obstruction of the lacrimal system causing enlargement. The absence of an obstructive factor in our case was considered an anatomical variation. The purpose of this study is to analyze, by reviewing the literature, the normal anatomy and variations of the lacrimal system. It is also described a digital subtraction dacryocystography's technique performed in our institution and the correlation with tomographyfindings.

Avaliação da via lacrimal pelos métodos radiológicos / Evaluation of the lacrimal system by radiological methods

Os autores realizam um estudo revisional e iconográfico das vias lacrimais através dos métodos radiológicos, sendo eles a radiografia convencional, a tomografia linear, a tomografia computadorizada e a ressonância magnética. Os métodos de imagem são fundamentais para definir diagnóstico e terapia, pois, além de demonstrarem as alterações das vias lacrimais, sugerem quais os pacientes que terão melhor prognóstico com a abordagem cirúrgica. Pelo seu custo mais baixo, menor dose de radiação, baixo índice de complicações e pela informação que pode ser obtida, recomenda-se que a dacriocistografia por tomografia linear seja o método inicial de investigação.

The authors perform a revisional and iconographic study of the lacrimal system by means of radiological methods, namely, conventional radiography, linear tomography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Image methods are essential to define diagnosis and therapy, considering that besides demonstrating alterations of the lacrimal system, they may indicate the patients with better prognosis associated with the surgical approach. Considering the lower cost, lower radiation dose, low rate of complications, and level of information that can be obtained dacryocystography by means of linear tomography is recommended as the initial investigation method.