Three-dimensional semi-autotamatic segmentation of nasolacrimal duct morphometry on computed tomography images

Given the potential role of nasolacrimal duct (NLD) morphometry in the aetiology of primary acquired obstructions, it is imperative that clinicians have access to detailed anatomical information. The aim of this study was to determine normative data on nasolacrimal duct morphometry in the Turkish population sample and to provide guidelines for clinicians.

The study included retrospectively computed tomography images of a healthy Turkish population sample of 151 individuals, 79 of whom were female and 72 of whom were male. Images were modeled and analyzed using 3D Slicer version 5.2.2.

The total volume and area of the NLD were smaller in females than in males. The right- and left-sided volume of the NLD were smaller in females than in males (In male, right side 219.28 ± 77.53 mm³ and left side 213.14 ± 73.82 mm³; in female, right side 193.82 ± 75.71 mm³, left side, 190.34 ± 82.54 mm³). Although the anteroposterior and transverse diameters of the right-sided NLD were not statistically different between the genders, the anteroposterior and transverse diameters of the left-sided NLD and distance between right and left NLD were smaller in female than in males. The volume and surface area of the right-sided NLD and the distance between the right and left NLD were larger with increasing age. The anteroposterior diameter was observed to be larger on the right side than on the left in both sexes, whereas the transverse diameter was larger on the right side than on the left side exclusively in females.

The results of this study may assist clinicians in the surgical approaches.