High-resolution conjunctival contrast-enhanced MRI dacryocystography

We assessed high-resolution MRI of the lacrimal system with conjunctival co ntrast enhancement in patients with suspected stenosis. We studied 18 patie nts with epiphora affecting 22 eyes, using a sur face coil, before and afte r conjunctival and intravenous Gd-DTPA. Stenosis or obstruction of the duct s was found in 18 of 22 cases: at canalicular level in 3 cases, at the sac in 7 cases, and in the nasolacrimal duct in 8 cases. Periductal pathology f ollowing surgery to the maxillary sinus or dacryocystorhinostomy was seen i n three cases. In conjunction with the findings on syringing and/or convent ional dacryocystography, the narrowing was classified as stenosis or obstru ction.