Dacryocystography using cone beam CT in patients with lacrimal drainage system obstruction.

PURPOSE: To assess the usefulness of cone beam CT (CBCT) for dacryocystography (DCG) using either direct syringing or passive application of contrast medium.

METHODS

Ten consecutive patients with epiphora who had CBCT-DCG in a sitting position were retrospectively analyzed. CBCT-DCGs were performed using 2 techniques: direct syringing with contrast medium or using the passive technique, where patients received 3 drops of contrast medium into the conjunctival sac before CBCT-DCG. Clinical and radiologic diagnoses were compared for both groups.

RESULTS

The 10 patients (men = 3) had a mean age of 63.2 years. Both techniques proved to be simple procedures with good delineation of the bone, soft tissue, and the contrast medium in the lacrimal system. No side effects were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

CBCT-DCG is a useful alternative to determine the localization of stenosis in patients with chronic epiphora.