The importance of scintigraphic qualitative and quantitative measurements in patients with epiphora due to unilateral punctum stenosis

Abstract

Aim: We aimed to evaluate nasolacrimal drainage and accompanying additional occlusions after topical steroid treatment in punctal stenosis patients with recurrent epiphora. We evaluated the change in nasolacrimal drainage and the effect of the presence of additional pathology on the response to noninvasive medical treatment in the 6-month follow-up after treatment. Materials and Methods: Fifty-two patients with unilateral punctal stenosis and ipsilateral epiphora were included in our study. The mean age of the patients was 68.23±9.67. All patients received topical steroids for punctal stenosis. Dacryoscintigraphy was performed on all patients to evaluate additional pathologies before treatment. In the pre-treatment dacryoscintigraphy, there was obstruction at the lacrimal sac entrance in 7 (13%) patients, at the sac outlet in 24 patients (46%), and in the nasolacrimal duct in 21 patients (40%). Dacryoscintigraphy was repeated 6 months after treatment to evaluate the response to treatment. None of the patients had a history of surgery for the punctum or nasolacrimal system. Ophthalmological examination findings were normal on the non-complaining side. Dacryoscintigraphy on both sides was performed. Scintigraphic images were evaluated both quantitatively and qualitatively. Regions of interest were plotted on specific areas for quantitative evaluation. Results: Thirty-four (81%) patients were female. The punctal region had an edematous appearance in patients with punctal stenosis. Dacryoscintigraphy was repeated 6 months after the treatment to evaluate the response to the treatment. Nasolacrimal drainage was normal in 71% of patients who had stenosis at the entrance and exit of the sac as a result of punctal stenosis treatment. Epiphora and stenosis at the same level persisted in all 21 patients with nasolacrimal duct stenosis. Conclusion: Punctal stenosis is a common condition, especially in elderly patients. Methods with excellent patient compliance in diagnosis and treatment should be preferred first. Dacryoscintigraphy is a convenient method to identify patients for whom aggressive methods are required.