Dacryocystographic Findings in Unilateral Epiphora with Patent Lacrimal Drainage System

ABSTRACT

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.