title: Magnetic resonance imaging of the lacrimal drainage system.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has excellent spatial and soft tissue resolution in the periocular and orbital region, especially when combined with surface coil techniques. Other methods, including computed tomography, dacryocystography, and dacryoscintigraphy provide limited information in the area of the lacrimal drainage system. Magnetic resonance imaging was used in conjunction with other imaging modalities to compare the anatomic detail and clinically relevant information obtained about various pathologic processes in the lacrimal drainage area.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients with a variety of lacrimal drainage disorders underwent MRI with either head or surface coils. Contrast agents also were used in selected cases. Seven case reports are presented.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Magnetic resonance imaging provided detailed information about local anatomy, extent of pathology, and, in some cases, etiology of the pathology.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Magnetic resonance imaging with surface coils provides detailed soft tissue information when compared with dacryocystography and computed tomography in the area of the lacrimal drainage system. In selected cases of lacrimal drainage system pathology, MRI may provide data that affect patient management.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114.
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Rubin
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Bilyk
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Shore
authors.forename: F C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Sutula
authors.forename: H M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Cheng
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000473:pathology*; D007766:Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009078:Mucocele / Q000175:diagnosis; D009301:Nasolacrimal Duct / Q000473:pathology*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D010212:Papilloma / Q000175:diagnosis; D004369:Pentetic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D004369:Pentetic Acid; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA