Document Detail


Tear flow dynamics in the human nasolacrimal ducts--a pilot study using dynamic magnetic resonance imaging.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  15742210     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
BACKGROUND: Jones's theory of tear drainage suggests that the lacrimal sac fills when the eyelids are closed and empties into the nasolacrimal duct when the eyelids are open. This is aided by the contraction of the orbicularis muscle during each blink. This study was undertaken to ascertain the possibility of seeing the dynamic movement of tears in the nasolacrimal system during blinks using magnetic resonance dacryocystography (MR-DCG). METHODS: The sac was initially localized with a three-plane gradient echo sequence using a 1.5-T MRI platform. Fast, dynamic MR-DCG was carried out after we had instilled topically balanced salt solution (BSS) in five subjects and 0.5% gadolinium in seven subjects. The volunteers were asked to close and open their eyes during the fast imaging. The images were digitized to enable us to see the actual movement of fluid in the system. RESULTS: The tear movement was clearly seen as a bolus in the volunteers where BSS was used. The fluid passed into the nasolacrimal duct after several blinks when patent. The sac was never seen to empty completely. Though differential filling was seen between the upper and lower part of the sac, it was difficult to see the actual fluid movement in the volunteers when topical gadolinium was used. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study are supportive of the notion of fluid travel in the form of a bolus through the sac. Once a threshold volume is reached in the lower end of the sac, the fluid is seen to pass through the nasolacrimal duct. This happens after several blinks.
Authors:
Shantha Amrith; Poh Sun Goh; Shih-Chang Wang
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't     Date:  2004-12-17
Journal Detail:
Title:  Graefe's archive for clinical and experimental ophthalmology = Albrecht von Graefes Archiv für klinische und experimentelle Ophthalmologie     Volume:  243     ISSN:  0721-832X     ISO Abbreviation:  Graefes Arch. Clin. Exp. Ophthalmol.     Publication Date:  2005 Feb 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2005-03-02     Completed Date:  2005-04-25     Revised Date:  2006-11-15    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  8205248     Medline TA:  Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol     Country:  Germany    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  127-31     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
The Eye Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore. ophv14@nus.edu.sg
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Acetates / administration & dosage
Blinking / physiology
Contrast Media
Drug Combinations
Eyelids / physiology
Gadolinium
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
Minerals / administration & dosage
Nasolacrimal Duct / metabolism*,  radiography
Oculomotor Muscles / physiology
Pilot Projects
Sodium Chloride / administration & dosage
Tears / secretion*
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Acetates; 0/BSS solution; 0/Contrast Media; 0/Drug Combinations; 0/Minerals; 7440-54-2/Gadolinium; 7647-14-5/Sodium Chloride

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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