[Echographic diagnosis of efferent lacrimal ducts with contrast media]

Affections of the lacrimal drainage system are often seen by ophthalmologists. Inspection, palpation, diagnostic rinsing and sounding can distinguish anatomical stops before or after tear sac. For final diagnostics however more apparative examinations are necessary. The ultrasonic examination with contrast media is a simple method for diagnostics of affections of the lacrimal drainage system besides the dacryocystography, the scintigraphy and other ones.

On 12 patients with a dysfunctional lacrimal drainage system and 12 normal controls the ultrasonic examination with instillation of contrast media: silicon oil, glycerine, dispersions of almond oil and viscoelastic substances was performed. All examinations were performed with the 13 B-scan.

The lacrimal drainage way was detectable from the canaliculus to the middle nasolacrimal duc

An additional advantage of the ultrasonic examination with contrast-media is the neglect of radiation, the simple and often repeatable examination method, especially the enhancement of the contrast of different valves and stenoses and mucinous deposits in stationary anatomical variations and dynamic defects.