ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION OF THE LACRIMAL DR AINAGE SYSTEM WITH CONTRAST-MEDIA

Background Affections of the lacrimal drainage system are often seen b y ophthalmologists. Inspection, palpation, diagnostic rinsing and send ing can distinguish anatomical stops before or after tear sac. For fin al diagnostics however more apparative examinations are necessary. The ultrasonic examination with contrast media is a simple method for dia gnostics of affections of the lacrimal drainage systen besides the dac ryocystography, the scintigraphy and other ones.Patients and methods O n 12 patients with a dysfunctional lacrimal drainage system and 12 nor mal controls the ultrasonic examination with instillation of contrast media:silicon oil, glycerine, dispersions of almond oil and viscoelast ic substances was performed. All examinations were performed with the I3 B-scan.Results The lacrimal drainage way was detectable from the ca naliculus to the middle nasolacrimal duc Conclusion An additional adva ntage of the ultrasonic examination with contrast-media is the neglect of radiation, the simple and often repeatable examination method, esp ecially the enhancement of the contrast of different valves and stenos es and mucinous deposits in stationary anatomical variations and dynam ic defects.