E2213. Dacryocystography in Patients with Epiphora: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors
Alessandro Posa;
Unità Operativa Complessa di Diagnostica per Immagini e Radiologia Interventistica Ospedale San Giovanni Calibita Fatebenefratelli
Vincenzo Vingiani;
Ospedale centrale di Bolzano
Objective:
Epiphora is a disease that can cause great impairment in a patient's daily life. A meticulous and specific approach to this condition is required, to correctly diagnose the causes and give proper treatment. This study aims to retrospectively evaluate imaging findings of patients with epiphora undergoing dacryocystography (DCG) and to describe the most common findings during this examination.
Materials and Methods:
Dacryocystographies performed for epiphora in our interventional radiology service from October 2011 to March 2020, were retrospectively reviewed. Dacryocystography examinations were performed to dynamically evaluate the patency of lacrimal canals, the lacrimal sac, and the nasolacrimal duct, and to identify any pathological findings.
Results:
In this study, 723 consecutive patients were included. Abnormal findings were observed in 468 DCGs. The mean patient age was 64.7 years (range 14 - 88 years). Lacrimal sac dilation was the most common finding (20.7% of cases), due to Beraud-Krause’s valve occlusion. The lacrimal points were epithelized in 3.8% of cases, whereas the opacification of lacrimal canals alone, due to Rosenmuller’s valve obstruction, was evident in 11.5% of cases. The beaded appearance of the nasolacrimal duct was seen in 118/723 (16.3%) cases. Seven patients had previous lacrimal duct, turbinate, or nasal surgery.
Conclusion:
In the diagnostic assessment and treatment decision in patients with epiphora, dacryocystography plays an important role. Further than being diagnostic, it demonstrates to be therapeutic in cases where the obstruction is related to mucous clogs. Knowledge of pathological findings of dacryocystography is mandatory for the correct management of these patients.
