Lacrimal scintillography: advances and functional applications.

The more precise evaluation of excretory function of the lacrimal system was made possible in 1972 with the advent of lacrimal scintillography. Two significant recent advances involving the computerization of scanning are presented. Rapid sequence display, a qualitative, dynamic method of viewing excretory function, and immediately available quantitative computerized T-1/2 values improve the interpretive abilities of lacrimal scintillography. Various clinical entities investigated in this manner have been studied with dacryocystography, and anatomical exam, to confirm scintillography's ability in identifying functional pathology. We have been able to virtually eliminate false results and we recommend its use in selected lacrimal excretory investigation.