A 1:100 solution of 48% gadopentolate in liquid tear solution was used
in magnetic resonance dacryocystography to image the canaliculi, naso
lacrimal sac, and nasolacrimal duct. It was administered as an eyedrop
, one drop every minute for five minutes, immediately before scanning
in six normal and five abnormal nasolacrimal outflow systems. In cases
of nasolacrimal obstruction, the dilute gadolinium solution was injec
ted through the canaliculus immediately before scanning. A three-inch
surface coil enhanced the detail of soft-tissue structures such as the
canaliculi and lacrimal sac. In the evaluation of complex tearing dis
orders such as congenital, neoplastic, postsurgical, and posttraumatic
nasolacrimal obstruction, gadolinium lacrimal contrast adds useful in
formation to magnetic resonance images of the lacrimal outflow system.
Because of the expense of the test, we do not recommend it as a routi
ne examination.