Lacrimal pathology. Clinical possibilities offered by modern radiological techniques

Abstract

The author points out the use of dacryocystography in the diagnosis of anatomical lesions and for the choice of the most appropriate surgical technique; post-operatively dacryocystography allows the control of functional efficiency and evaluation of the causes responsible for residual epiphora after surgical treatment.

The causes of poor lacrimal drainage may be multiple and can be situated in different parts of the tract from the lacrimal punctum to the naso-lacrimal duct. In most adults presenting epiphora, the occlusion or stenosis is related to an inflamed thickening of the lacrimal mucous membrane. In 70% of the cases according to Rycroft the stenosis can be found slightly below the internal aperture of the canaliculus. The origin of the inflammation often remains unknown and surgical treatment is more often than not symptomatic, since the obstruction is removed without finding or treating the cause.

Key Words:

• lacrimal system
• dacryocystography
• scintigraphy