Evaluation of dacryocystorhinostomy failure with computed tomography and computed tomographic dacryocystography

Five patients with dacryocystorhinostomy failures were examined with computed tomography or computed tomographic dacryocystography. In computed tomographic dacryocystography, radiopaque dye was instilled into the lacrimal sac before computed tomography to show its shape, location, and relation to surrounding structures. Problems with the bony ostium were detected in all five patients. Recurrent nasal polyposis, a retained metallic clip, and an unresected ethmoid air cell were also identified. Computed tomography and computed tomographic dacryocystography provided important information that facilitated reoperation after dacryocystorhinostomy failure.     

Correlation of orbital computed tomographic findings with office probing and irrigation in 17 patients after successful and failed dacryocystorhinostomy

PURPOSE: To investigate the role of orbital computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of patients after dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). METHODS: Computed tomography scans of patients who underwent both successful and failed DCR were examined to determine the relationship of the soft-tissue changes to the surgical ostium, and the findings were correlated with postoperative results of office probing and irrigation. RESULTS: After a successful DCR (n = 7), a patent fistulous tract was confirmed by office probing and irrigation. A characteristic "Y-on-its-side" configuration of the soft tissue was noted on a CT scan. Total occlusion of the osteotomy by soft tissue on probing and irrigation corresponded to a mucocelelike soft-tissue density with a central lucency and soft-tissue obstruction (n = 2). Total occlusion of the osteotomy by inadequate excision of bone and adjacent soft tissue, visualized by CT imaging, was confirmed by palpation of bone by office probing (n = 1). Partial obstruction on probing and irrigation was associated on a CT scan with an increased soft-tissue density (n = 4) and bone in the region of the osteotomy (n = 3). CONCLUSIONS: Computed tomography allows visualization of a patent fistula after successful DCR as well as soft-tissue or bone obstruction of the surgically created fistula after failed DCR. When combined with probing and irrigation, CT helps to formulate a surgical plan after failed DCR.     

Lacrimal silicone intubation for anatomically successful but functionally failed external dacryocystorhinostomy

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of lacrimal silicone intubation for the management of epiphora in patients who have previously undergone anatomically successful dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). METHODS: The authors recruited 13 patients (4 male, 9 female) who had persistent epiphora after an anatomically successful primary external DCR and conducted lacrimal silicone intubation through the dacryocystorhinostomy site. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 54.2 years (range 42-80) and mean follow-up was 13.8 months (range 6-30). Epiphora was resolved in all 13 patients following silicone intubation. Spontaneous tube extrusion occurred in three patients, but a new one was easily reintubated. CONCLUSIONS: Lacrimal silicone intubation is a simple safe and effective procedure for patients with epiphora even after anatomically successful DCR.     

Shaken baby syndrome. Ocular and computed tomographic findings

Violent shaking of young infants has a variety of ocular and systemic sequelae, including retinal and subdural hemorrhages, seizures, coma, and death. The syndrome can be difficult to recognize because of the lack of external signs. The retinal examination and computed tomographic findings are absolutely essential for making the diagnosis, but very little information is available concerning this disorder in the ophthalmology literature. This paper presents the findings of a case of shaken baby syndrome and discusses the challenges in diagnosis.     

Endoscopic repair of failed dacryocystorhinostomy

Primary dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) failure is commonly due to scarring at the rhinostomy site. Nasolacrimal duct obstruction due to scarring may also occur in patients who have had their lacrimal bone removed during maxillary sinus surgery. Five patients following DCR and 3 patients after sinus surgery, all with constant epiphora, underwent endoscopic reconstruction of their lacrimal drainage system. Preoperatively, patency of the bony ostium was determined either by computed tomographic (CT) scan or dacryocystography. Endoscopically, the lacrimal drainage system was reopened then intubated with a silastic stent. Any scar tissue was visualized endoscopically and resected. Seven of the 8 patients have been followed from 3 to 24 months after stent removal, and all have had relief of their epiphora. Endoscopic repair is a useful adjunct in the management of patients with DCR failure or patients with epiphora after removal of the lacrimal bone during sinus surgery. This brief procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, does not require a skin incision, and allows the evaluation and correction of intranasal pathology.     

泪囊鼻腔吻合术失败原因与再手术

目的探讨泪囊鼻腔吻合术失败原因与再手术方法。方法从1995年1月～2004年12月，对25例（25眼）泪囊鼻腔吻合术失败者进行首次与第二次泪囊造影片对比下再手术，治疗泪囊炎。结果术后随访6月～8年，治愈22眼，有效1眼，无效2眼，治愈率88．00％。结论再次手术大多可以治愈。     

Comparison of endoscopic revision for failed primary external versus endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy

Backgound: To compare differences in endoscopic revision after previously failed lacrimal surgery that involved either external or endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. Design: Retrospective, comparative, nonrandomized clinical study. Participants: We assessed 77 patients (82 surgeries) treated for recurrent nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Methods: Electronic medical records for patients with recurrent epiphora who underwent endoscopic revisional dacryocystorhinostomy, after previous external or endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital from 2004 to 2010, were reviewed. Main Outcome Measures: Data regarding the lacrimal drainage system, comprehensive eye examination, surgical outcome and preoperative/perioperative transnasal endoscopy were analysed. Results: In total, 77 patients underwent 82 endoscopic revisional dacryocystorhinostomy procedures. A success rate of 84% was achieved for cases of previous external dacryocystorhinostomy and 80.7% for previous endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (P = 0.722). For preoperative nasal endoscopy, more of the patients who underwent previous external dacryocystorhinostomy exhibited a hypertrophic middle turbinate and severe septal deviation when compared with patients who underwent previous endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (P = 0.031, P = 0.001, respectively). For perioperative nasal endoscopy, more of the patients who underwent previous endoscopic DCR exhibited a smaller ostium when compared with patients who underwent previous external dacryocystorhinostomy (P = 0.031). Conclusions: The success rate of revisional dacryocystorhinostomy in the previous external dacryocystorhinostomy group was slightly higher than that in the previous endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy group. Differences in preoperative and perioperative endoscopic findings were detected between the groups. Clarifying these differences in endoscopic revision will help improve the surgical outcomes of primary surgery involving either external or endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy.     

Helical computed tomographic dacryocystography with three-dimensional reconstruction: a new view of the lacrimal drainage system

PURPOSE: To evaluate the utility of a new diagnostic radiologic technique for anatomic evaluation of the lacrimal outflow system in patients with epiphora and to delineate anatomic variations in the lacrimal systems of patients with both patent and obstructed systems. METHODS: This study retrospectively reviewed clinical and radiologic data in a series of 30 patients with epiphora who underwent our radiologic protocol. Imaging included fluoroscopic dacryocystography followed by helical CT dacryocystography after injection of lacrimal system contrast. Axial CT data was three-dimensionally reconstructed and rotated for viewing of images in multiple projections. Mean axial cross-sectional areas of the lacrimal sac and duct were determined. RESULTS: Sixty lacrimal systems in 30 patients were clinically and radiologically evaluated. The average mean cross-sectional area of the lacrimal sac and duct in the setting of complete obstruction was 0.153 cm2 and was statistically significantly larger (p=0.0286) when compared with average mean cross-sectional areas in unobstructed (0.045 cm2) and partially obstructed (0.052 cm2) lacrimal systems and were associated with lacrimal system dilation proximal to the level of obstruction. The difference in average mean cross-sectional area between patients with unobstructed and partially obstructed systems was not statistically significant. A number of lacrimal system abnormalities were noted in our series, including obstructions at various levels of the lacrimal outflow system, lacrimal sac masses, sinusitis, sarcoidosis, sinus carcinoma, and failed dacryocystorhinostomy. Twenty-three lacrimal systems were believed to be radiographically normal. Radiologic findings altered surgical treatment in 10 of 30 patients in this series. CONCLUSIONS: This relatively safe and well-tolerated radiologic technique provides detailed imaging of the lacrimal outflow system and surrounding structures. The information obtained from this technique may be helpful in clinical and surgical decision making.     

The prognostic value of preoperative dacryocystography in endoscopic intranasal dacryocystorhinostomy.

Endoscopic intranasal dacryocystorhinostomy has been used as a primary treatment of lacrimal obstruction and for revision of conventional dacryocystorhinostomy. This study correlates dacryocystographic anatomy with the success of the endoscopic surgical technique. Eighteen patients with epiphora and nasolacrimal obstruction underwent operations. Preoperative dacryocystography identified 11 patients with either normal or enlarged lacrimal sacs, and seven patients with cicatrized lacrimal sacs. Patients with lacrimal sac stones and tumors were excluded. Endoscopic intranasal dacryocystorhinostomy was successful in nine of 11 (82%) patients with normal or enlarged lacrimal sacs, and in two of seven (29%) patients with cicatrized lacrimal sacs. The endoscopic technique was much more successful with normal or enlarged lacrimal sacs than with cicatrized lacrimal sacs (P = .049). Lacrimal sac anatomy as determined by preoperative dacryocystography is an important prognostic factor in technically achieving surgical success.     

Clinical and computed tomographic findings in the Foster Kennedy syndrome

A 52-year-old man had progressive loss of visual acuity in his left eye associated with anosmia of five years duration. Clinical findings included papilledema in the right eye and optic atrophy in the left eye. A diagnosis of Foster Kennedy syndrome was made. Careful attention to the ophthalmoscopic appearance of the left eye disclosed optic disk swelling in regions without significant atrophy as well as dilated retinal veins. Both of these signs suggested increased intracranial pressure, rather than a primary anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. High resolution computed tomographic scanning confirmed the presence of a large subfrontal meningioma and an expanded right optic nerve sheath, consistent with the papilledema noted clinically.     

Investigation of lacrimal sac space-occupying lesions using color doppler ultrasound, computed tomography, and computed tomography dacryocystography

AIM: To observe the imaging features of color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) and computed tomography (CT) or computed tomography dacryocystography (CT-DCG) in different types of lacrimal sac space-occupying lesions (SOLs). METHODS: This retrospective case series study included 21 patients with lacrimal sac SOLs who underwent lacrimal sac surgery between January 2018 and March 2022. The imaging features of CDU and CT or CT-DCG in these patients were extracted from the examination cloud system. The images were observed and analyzed. RESULTS: The detection rate of lacrimal SOLs between CDU (21/21, 100%) and CT or CT-DCG (20/21, 95.2%) had no statistically significant difference (P=1.0). CDU could detect the blood flow signals in all SOLs except mucocele and mucopeptide concretion. Among them, polyps had characteristic imaging changes on CDU and CT-DCG. The mucoceles and mucopeptide concretions had characteristic imaging changes on CDU, which could provide more information for differential diagnosis. CONCLUSION: The morphology and internal blood flow signals of lacrimal sac SOLs can be observed using CDU. CT or CT-DCG has advantages in observing structural damage around the lacrimal sac mass. Therefore, CDU may be used as a routine examination to exclude lacrimal sac SOLs before dacryocystorhinostomy in the absence of preoperative CT or CT-DCG.     

泪囊CT造影及三维重建的临床应用

目的：探讨泪囊CT造影及三维重建在鼻内镜下泪囊鼻腔造孔术的临床应用。方法：对46例65眼鼻内镜下泪囊鼻腔造孔术患者术前进行泪囊CT造影及三维重建,从而对泪囊及开口处进行准确定位,指导手术操作。观察其疗效。结果：所有手术均顺利完成,术中按照术前定位点均较顺利找到泪囊。有效率100%。结论：泪囊CT造影及三维重建可成为鼻内窥镜下泪囊鼻腔造孔术前的一项常规检查。     

Helical computed tomographic dacryocystography and its role in the diagnosis and management of lacrimal drainage system blocks and medial canthal masses

AIM: To study the indications, technique and diagnostic utility of helical computed tomographic dacryocystography (CTDCG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 13 patients who underwent CTDCG with subsequent surgical intervention, during the period January 2003 to December 2005, was done. Axial plain computed tomography (CT) scan was performed, followed by administration of water-soluble contrast in the conjunctival cul de sac or by cannulation of the lacrimal passages. Thin-slice helical CT with two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) coronal and sagittal reformation was done. RESULTS: Four patients were males and 9 were females. Age range was 5 to 62 years. Seven patients presented with watering and 6 patients with a medial canthal mass. Three patients had history of trauma. CTDCG was performed by instillation technique in 10 patients and by cannulation in 3 patients. CTDCG showed mass lesion displacing the sac in 5 cases, nasolacrimal duct obstruction in 6 cases and mucocele in 2 cases. Based on the findings on CTDCG, 5 patients underwent mass excision, 7 underwent dacryocystorhinostomy and 1 patient underwent primary silicone tube intubation. CONCLUSION: Helical CTDCG is a safe and useful diagnostic tool for the lacrimal surgeon. Instillation technique is a physiological and convenient method, and cannulation is needed only in cases where adequate visualization is not achieved.     

Combined computed tomography and dacryocystography for complex lacrimal problems

Two imaging modalities, computed tomography (CT) and dacryocystography (DCG), were combined to demonstrate the relationships between the lacrimal system and the surrounding soft-tissue structures. In selected cases, such as those involving severe facial trauma, midfacial tumours, significant sinus disease, or previous lacrimal, nasal or sinus surgery, this imaging technique may be useful in better evaluating the anatomy of the lacrimal system and planning a surgical approach.     

Comparison of external dacryocystorhinostomy with nonlaser endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy

OBJECTIVE: We compared outcomes after dacryocystorhinostomies (DCRs) performed by the traditional external approach (EX-DCR) or by a nonlaser, nonendoscopic endonasal approach (EN-DCR). DESIGN: Retrospective, nonrandomized, comparative interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 354 consecutive cases of DCR were reviewed in 349 patients performed by one surgeon over a 4-year period with a minimum 1 year of follow-up using either EX-DCR or EN-DCR. Only patients with primary nasolacrimal duct obstruction and no eyelid, lacrimal sac, or canalicular pathology were included. INTERVENTION: A total of 153 EX-DCR and 201 EN-DCR patients were identified. EX-DCR was performed under sterile conditions, and EN-DCR was performed with a clean setup. Silicone stents were placed for 3 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patency of the lacrimal system as assessed by history and irrigation. Outcomes were graded as full success, partial success, or failure. Operative durations and postoperative complications were recorded from hospital charts. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in age or gender distribution between the two groups. The mean operative duration was 34.3 minutes for EX-DCR and 18.5 minutes for EN-DCR (P < 0.0001, t test). Full success was achieved in 90.2% of EX-DCRs and 89.1% of EN-DCRs. Partial success was recorded in 2.0% of EX-DCRs and 4.0% of EN-DCRs. The failure rate was 7.8% for EX-DCR and 7.0% for EN-DCR. There was no statistical significance between these outcomes with a two-sample test for equality of proportions with continuity correction (P = 0.914, power = 80% for alpha = 0.05 to detect a decreased success rate of 12%). Eleven of the failed cases in each group underwent revision EN-DCR surgery, with 90.9% success in each group. Epistaxis requiring perioperative nasal packing occurred in 7 (4.6%) EX-DCR patients and 11 (5.5%) EN-DCR patients. Wound complications in EX-DCR included bruising in four patients, localized infections in two patients, and punctal eversion in six patients. In EN-DCR, inadvertent incision of the periorbita occurred in five patients. One patient reported transient diplopia after the medial rectus was inadvertently pulled during an EN-DCR. Five patients had an EX-DCR on one side and an EN-DCR on the other side. All five reported retrospectively that they preferred the endonasal approach. CONCLUSIONS: The EN-DCR approach is more rapid than the traditional external approach, has an equivalent surgical success rate, and was preferred by patients who had alternative techniques performed on opposite sides.     

Comparison of nonlaser nonendoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy with external dacryocystorhinostomy

Objective: To compare the success rate of nonlasernonendoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR) with that of external DCR (EX-DCR).Design: Retrospective chart review.Participants: Eighty-eight patients that underwent 102 consecutive EN-DCR or EX-DCR between November 1, 1995, and September 1, 2003.Methods: All DCRs were performed by a single ophthalmologist. The surgical protocol remained constant, and surgical success was defined as a lack of symptoms that indicated DCR or normal canalicular irrigation.Results: Eighty-eight patients were reviewed, equating to 102 cases of DCR (56 EX-DCR and 46 EN-DCR). The average age of patients was 63.2 ± 18.2 years old (range, 19–93 years), and the average duration of surgery was 32.1 minutes for EX-DCR and 23.3 minutes for EN-DCR (p < 0.0001). Three cases of intraoperative bleed requiring nasal packing were documented in EX-DCR and 2 cases in EN-DCR. The success rates were 89.8% and 90.2% for EX-DCR and EN-DCR, respectively. There was no statistical difference between these 2 numbers. The average follow-up time was 12.8 months (median, 5 months; range, 2–97 months).Conclusions: We found that the endonasal approach to DCRs was quicker than the external approach and the success and complication rates of both methods were comparable.     

鼻内镜下鼻腔泪囊造孔术与传统泪囊鼻腔吻合术的比较

目的比较经鼻内镜下鼻腔泪囊吻合术与传统泪囊鼻腔吻合术的疗效。方法回顾性分析64例（64只眼）慢性泪囊炎患者手术治疗效果。其中经鼻内镜下行鼻腔泪囊吻合术33例,采用传统泪囊鼻腔吻合术治疗31例。结果鼻内镜组：泪道冲洗通畅者32例（97%）。1例通畅度不满意（3%）。传统吻合组：泪道冲洗通畅者29例（93.5%）,2例通畅度不满意（6.5%）。两组比较差异无统计学意义（P〉O.O5）。结论经鼻内镜下行鼻腔泪囊吻合术具有较多优点,其手术效果接近于传统手术,符合现代外科手术微创要求,避免了面部疤痕,满足了患者美容的需求。     

Comparison of orbital colour Doppler findings with computed tomography angiography

Colour Doppler imaging (CDI) of orbital vessels is noninvasive but may be fallacious, while computed tomography (CT) angiography displays a visual outline of orbital vessels. We compared clinical findings of the two methods in 33 patients with a wide variety of clinical conditions. It was not possible to visualize the central retinal arteries with CT angiography, but it was possible to show the intracranial carotid, which CDI could not. Changes in the ophthalmic arteries on CDI usually showed changes in calibre on CT angiography. Patients with unexplained or gross visual loss often showed marked abnormalities on CT scanning, not entirely consistent with the clinical picture. Several patients showed marked ectasia of the intracranial carotid along with variable clinical findings. Findings on CT angiography complement and augment those on CDI, and are likely to be more clinically valuable in the future.     

Management of chronic dacryocystitis cases after failed external dacryocystorhinostomy using endoscopic technique with a novel lacrimal ostium stent

AIM: To demonstrate the outcomes of endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (En-DCR) with an novel lacrimal ostium stent (LOS) which was performed in patients with recurrent epiphora after failed external dacryocystorhinostomy (Ex-DCR) and analyze the causes of failed Ex-DCR. METHODS: From September 2015 and December 2017, the clinic data of 29 cases suffered from recurrent epiphora after failed Ex-DCR was reviewed. The LOS were implanted into the ostium at the end of the revisional surgery. The causes of failed Ex-DCR were analyzed before revisional surgeries. Outcome of revisional surgeries with the new device were evaluated as well. RESULTS: The major causes of failure of the external approach were synechiae formation in the nasal ostium (29/29), followed by inadequate removal of the bony wall (21/29), nasal synechiae formation between lateral wall of nose and middle turbinate (11/29), and the bone opening was not in good location (7/29). The rate of success after revisional surgery was 82.76%. Re-obstruction of the ostiums were found in 5 failed cases. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic approach with a novel LOS may be an effective procedure to manage recurrent epiphora after previous failed Ex-DCR surgery. Synechiae formation in the nasal ostium and inadequate removal of the bony wall were the major causes of failure of Ex-DCR.