Dacryocystography

Abstract

In a previous communication, we, with the use of a radiopaque dye (ethyl iodophenylundecylate; Pantopaque), demonstrated the anatomy and radiographie appearance of the normal lacrimal apparatus.¹It was found that the time normally required for the contrast medium to disappear from the undiseased lacrimal passages was less than 30 minutes. After that length of time no dye—or only a trace—was found in the follow-up film. This finding was so consistent that it was possible to conclude that any system which retained a significant amount of the dye after 30 minutes, especially in the sac. was not functioning properly. It was emphasized that accurate evaluation of the dacryocystogram required correlation of the radiographic findings with the clinical history, as well as comparison of the lacrimal system on the involved side with that of the normal side. In this presentation, we shall demonstrate some of the commoner pathologic conditions encountered