technetium-tc-99m-sulfur-colloid and Lacrimal-Duct-Obstruction

Several tests and examinations are necessary for an accurate diagnosis of disorders of the lacrimal drainage system. The AA studied 100 patients with epiphora, divided in two groups. Forty patients, first group (I), aged between 4 and 78 years old (mean age 47.8 +/- 9.6 years), were examined using the classical tests for the study of epiphora, sequential dacryoscintigraphy (SD) and conventional subtraction macrodacryocystrography (CSMD). In the second group (II), 60 patients (aged 45.5 +/- 8.7 years) were studied using the classical tests and by digital subtraction macrodacryocystography (DSMD). The results showed that when functional epiphora is present, there is no difference between a simple clinical approach and sequential dacryoscintigraphy. However, when information is needed regarding choice of surgical approach, DSMD appears to give the best results.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Iohexol; Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases; Lacrimal Duct Obstruction; Male; Middle Aged; Radiographic Image Enhancement; Radionuclide Imaging; Subtraction Technique; Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid

In the 42 patients (84 eyes) in this study, 32 eyes had dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), 15 had Jones' tube insertions, and the remaining 37 were considered controls. All patients were studied using nuclear scanning with computer interfacing quantitative lacrimal scintillography to determine the effects of blinking, respiration, and gravity on their functioning. Tears flowed through DCR openings faster than through the systems of normal patients. Patients with Jones' tubes demonstrated slower flow than in normal patients. The effect of respiration on tear flow was minimal, but blinking and lid function were important. Patients with eyelid laxity may show decreased flow even if the DCR and Jones' tubes are functional.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Blinking; Dacryocystorhinostomy; Female; Humans; Intubation; Lacrimal Apparatus; Lacrimal Duct Obstruction; Male; Methods; Middle Aged; Radionuclide Imaging; Respiration; Tears; Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid

Topics: Child; Colloids; Humans; Lacrimal Apparatus; Lacrimal Duct Obstruction; Radionuclide Imaging; Sulfur; Technetium; Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid