In Vivo Human Lacrimal Gland Imaging Using an Ultrasound Biomicroscopy.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Anatomy

Background:

• Dry eye syndrome affects millions globally.
• Accurate lacrimal gland assessment is crucial for diagnosis.
• Current imaging techniques have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce human lacrimal gland imaging using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM).
• Evaluate UBM's utility in visualizing lacrimal gland structures.
• Assess UBM for differentiating healthy glands from those affected by Sjögren syndrome.

Main Methods:

• Utilized ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) with a soft cover.
• Scanned palpebral lobes longitudinally and transversely in seven subjects.
• Employed an Aviso UBM with a 50 MHz linear probe and ClearScan.

Main Results:

• Healthy lacrimal glands showed homogeneous, low echogenicity compared to the sclera.
• Sjögren syndrome patients exhibited inhomogeneous glandular parenchyma.
• Observed lobules, excretory ducts, a blood vessel, and a cyst in UBM scans.

Conclusions:

• UBM provides detailed lacrimal gland imaging.
• UBM combines advantages of OCT and sonography.
• This method shows promise for evaluating dry eye syndrome.