Application of tele-ophthalmology in remote diagnosis and management of adnexal and orbital diseases.

Purpose: To assess the feasibility of making a diagnosis of adnexal and orbital diseases by Tele-ophthalmological means. Materials and Methods: Tele-consultation for eye diseases was done for 3497 patients from remote areas of Tamilnadu as part of the rural tele-ophthalmology project of a tertiary eye care hospital during a period of nine months from October 2004 to June 2005. These patients were comprehensively examined on-site by optometrists. Using digitized images sent by store and forward technique and videoconferencing, the ophthalmologist made a diagnosis and advised treatment. Results: Adnexal or orbital diseases were detected in 101 out of 3497 patients (2.88%). Medical treatment was advised to 13 of 101 patients (12.8%). Surgery was advised in 62 of 101 patients (61.28%) whereas 18 of 101 patients (17.8%) required further investigations at a tertiary center. Conclusion: It was feasible to apply the satellite based tele-ophthalmology set-up for making a presumptive diagnosis and planning further management of adnexal and orbital diseases based on live interaction and digital still images of the patients.

Helical computed tomographic dacryocystography and its role in the diagnosis and management of lacrimal drainage system blocks and medial canthal masses.

AIM: To study the indications, technique and diagnostic utility of helical computed tomographic dacryocystography (CTDCG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 13 patients who underwent CTDCG with subsequent surgical intervention, during the period January 2003 to December 2005, was done. Axial plain computed tomography (CT) scan was performed, followed by administration of water-soluble contrast in the conjunctival cul de sac or by cannulation of the lacrimal passages. Thin-slice helical CT with two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) coronal and sagittal reformation was done. RESULTS: Four patients were males and 9 were females. Age range was 5 to 62 years. Seven patients presented with watering and 6 patients with a medial canthal mass. Three patients had history of trauma. CTDCG was performed by instillation technique in 10 patients and by cannulation in 3 patients. CTDCG showed mass lesion displacing the sac in 5 cases, nasolacrimal duct obstruction in 6 cases and mucocele in 2 cases. Based on the findings on CTDCG, 5 patients underwent mass excision, 7 underwent dacryocystorhinostomy and 1 patient underwent primary silicone tube intubation. CONCLUSION: Helical CTDCG is a safe and useful diagnostic tool for the lacrimal surgeon. Instillation technique is a physiological and convenient method, and cannulation is needed only in cases where adequate visualization is not achieved.