Quantitative lacrimal scintillography. I. Method and physiological application.

Clinical value of dacryoscintigraphy using a simplified analysis

“…Hilditch and coworkers described transfer coefficients derived from three-compartment models as output parameter, but also found evidence of reflux between these compartments and non/linear sudden increases, especially in the nasolacrimal compartment [8]. Hurwitz and colleagues also used time of appearance in a compartment as a output parameter, but also time points at which compartmental activity was maximal [9,10]. In many of these valuable studies from the 1970s and 1980s the main goal was to increase the understanding of lacrimal physiology, with less emphasis on clinical value.…”

“…We realize that the underlying assumption of linear clearance, for the LCR parameter, is generally not met, as disappearance curves seldom are straight. In addition, the T1 parameter may be incorrect when the interval between the start of administration and the start of the dynamic study is long, as many studies have indicated that initial tracer disappearance is very fast [1,3,6,9,10,16,17] Therefore, tracer administration in both eyes should be carried out rapidly by an experienced technician, and should always be complete within 15-20 s, which minimizes the error in the subsequent minute. Another issue in the interpretation of dacryoscintigraphy is the degree of resorption of the tracer by the conjunctival mucosa.…”

“…It can be used under almost physiological conditions and provides quantitative criteria [6,9]. From the scintigraphy study both simple and complex parameters that describe the drainage can be derived [8,9,16]. There appears to be no clear consensus on the optimal quantitation parameter, the standardization of this parameter, and the clinical interpretation of the results [8].…”

“…Since 1972 lacrimal dacryoscintigraphy has been used and modified by many authors [3,10,12,15]. It can be used under almost physiological conditions and provides quantitative criteria [6,9]. From the scintigraphy study both simple and complex parameters that describe the drainage can be derived [8,9,16].…”

Scintigraphic Evaluation of Lacrimal Glands Using a Rabbit Experimental Model

“…However, the small volume of the human lacrimal gland provides only a reduced enhancement in the region hindering the evaluation of this gland. Dacryoscintigraphy using 99m Tc-sulphur colloid instilled into the conjunctival sac still represents the only nuclear diagnostic method for the assessment of the lacrimal system [4].…”