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

Abstract

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.

Anatomical, histological and computed tomography comparisons of the eye and adnexa of crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) to domestic dogs

“…In the retrobulbar space, CT identified the NMG and LG of crab-eating fox but was limited in demonstrating their contours. This parameter is often required in assessing the lacrimal system, particularly for patients with medial canthus neoplasia, mid-face trauma or following surgery [34]. Gross anatomy and histology of the nictitating membrane, NMG and cartilaginous plaque were similar to dogs, with differences in the length and dimensions of the cartilage, perhaps related to a smaller proportion of crab-eating fox ocular structures.…”

Clinical profile of the patients with pediatric epiphora in a tertiary eye care center

“…It helps to (l) describe the level of the obstruction; (2) evaluate whether the obstruction is complete or incomplete, intrinsic, or extrinsic to the duct; and (3) determine the cause of obstruction. [13] In our study, CT-DCG was done in 14 out of 30 traumatic cases with the most common site of obstruction being sac-NLDO junction.…”