Use of computed tomographic dacryocystography in the evaluation of lacrimal drainage system obstruction

A computed tomograph (CT) scanner was used in the diagnostics of diseases of the lacrimal drainage system. During the past three years, 22 patients with lacrimal disease were examined: 20 patients with dacryocystitis, two of them after maxillo-facial injury, and two with lacrimal sac tumor. Computed tomographic dacryocystography (CTD) was used to diagnose dacryocystitis or other types of obstruction in the lacrimal sac or nasolacrimal duct. In dacryocystitis cases CTD clearly visualized the lacrimal sac, the nasolacrimal duct and its connections with the surrounding bone tissue, and showed the correct anatomical obstruction site, even in complicated cases. In tumor cases, CT with intravenous contrast material was used to detect the extent of the tumor and also the bone defect. Because of the expense, the authors suggest ultrascan diagnostics as the first choice of imaging diagnostic method in simple dacryocystitis cases, and the use of CT and other imaging diagnostic methods in complicated cases.