[High resolution functional magnetic resonance tomography with Gd-DTPA eyedrops in diagnosis of lacrimal apparatus diseases].
Both dacryocystography and dacryoscintigraphy are well established in the evaluation of stenoses of the lacrimal drainage system. They provide limited information about the ductal anatomy itself and about periductal structures. MR imaging was evaluated for its capability to directly visualize the lacrimal drainage system in detail and simultaneously provide functional characterization of dacryostenosis.


METHODS
Twenty-seven lacrimal drainage systems of 23 patients suffering from epiphora were examined in an MR unit before and after conjunctival and intravenous application of Gd-DTPA using a surface coil.


RESULTS
Dacryostenosis was found in 23 of 27 lacrimal systems. Stenoses were localized to the canalicular (n = 3), saccular (n = 8), and ductal (n = 12) level, and were classified as stenosis or occlusion.


CONCLUSIONS
MR imaging with conjunctival contrast application allows within one examination both detailed morphological and functional assessment of the lacrimal drainage system with depiction of surrounding structures. Limitations arise mainly from demands on technical and patient-related preconditions.
Strahlenklinik und Poliklinik, Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin.
K T
KT
Hoffmann
N
N
Anders
N
N
Hosten
A
A
Holschbach
T
T
Walkow
R
R
Sörensen
C
C
Hartmann
R
R
Felix
D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007766:Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007767:Lacrimal Duct Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D003287:Contrast Media; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA
Hochauflösende funktionelle Magnetresonanztomographie mit Gd-DTPA-Augentropfen in der Diagnostik von Tränenwegserkrankungen.