Lower eyelid laxity in functional acquired epiphora: evaluation with quantitative scintigraphy.
OBJECTIVE
The examination of lacrimal drainage is often based on qualitative criteria. This study uses quantitative scintigraphy to evaluate "functional" epiphora.


METHODS
Thirty-two patients with functional epiphora (no morphologic abnormalities of the conjunctiva and eyelids, a patent nasolacrimal duct on irrigation, and no anatomical stenosis on dacryocystography) were studied (study group, SG). Twenty-two individuals without epiphora were also examined (control group, CG). Fifty microliters of Technetium-99m was instilled into the conjunctival cul-de-sac. Time-activity curves were then constructed, and conjunctival lacrimal clearance (CLC) at 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 minutes was calculated. Differences in CLC between the SG and the CG and correlations between CLC and horizontal and median tendon laxity and eyelid length in the SG were examined.


RESULTS
The SG had significantly reduced CLC at 2.5 and 5 minutes, compared with the CG (p = 0.01 and p = 0.04, respectively), whereas respective differences at 7.5 and 10 minutes were not statistically significant. In the SG, CLC at 2.5 and 5 minutes was significantly correlated with horizontal and median tendon laxity. The respective correlation with eyelid length was not statistically significant. Furthermore, in the SG, CLC at 2.5 and 5 minutes was significantly correlated with patient age (p = 0.03 and p = 0.04, respectively). Differences in CLC between men and women were not statistically significant at all intervals.


CONCLUSIONS
The correlation between eyelid laxity and CLC supports the role of the eyelid "pump" in lacrimal drainage. CLC at 2.5 and 5 minutes may be used to decide treatment methods for functional epiphora.
Detorakis
Efstathios T
ET
Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Greece. detorakis@hotmail.com
Zissimopoulos
Athanassios
A
Katernellis
George
G
Drakonaki
Eleni E
EE
Ganasouli
Dimitra L
DL
Kozobolis
Vassilios P
VP
D000368:Aged; D005143:Eyelids / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007766:Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013670:Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013666:Tears / Q000378:metabolism
D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D013670:Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m