What is a Dacryocystogram?

A dacryocystogram is a special x-ray procedure that is uses contrast media (x-ray dye) to see the lacrimal duct of the eye.

What is a DCG test?

Dacryocystography (DCG) is a fluoroscopic contrast examination of the nasolacrimal apparatus. The nasolacrimal duct is cannulated enabling iodinated contrast to be instilled into the nasolacrimal system.

When is Dacryocystography used?

Dacryocystography is used to diagnose the condition causing problems with your tear duct. This is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed on an out-patient basis. You will receive an injection of contrast medium, which will allow the interventional radiologist to clearly visualise the lacrimal sac under X-ray.

Why is Dacryocystography important for evaluation of the eye?

Dacryocystography allows the identification of the obstruction site and, in some cases, the cause of the obstruction of tear flow, which is fundamental to define the type of clinical or surgical conduct.

How do you do a Dacryocystogram?

A thin probe is placed into the opening of tear duct in the medial portion of the lower eye lid. A small amount of fluid is injected through the tear duct and X-ray images are taken. During injection the fluid may cause some trickling in the back of the mouth and there may be a bitter taste in the mouth.

What is lacrimal Scintigram?

Dacryoscintigraphy (DSG), also known as lacrimal scintigraphy, is a nuclear medicine technique for imaging the lacrimal apparatus. It is used to identify obstructions, for example in the lacrimal duct, nasal cavity or nasolacrimal duct.

What is Nasolacrimal?

The nasolacrimal duct (also called the tear duct) carries tears from the lacrimal sac of the eye into the nasal cavity. The duct begins in the eye socket between the maxillary and lacrimal bones, from where it passes downwards and backwards.

Is DCR surgery necessary?

A dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a surgery that creates a new path for tears to drain between your eyes and your nose. You may need this surgery if your tear duct has become blocked.

How many lacrimal glands are?

The lacrimal glands are paired exocrine glands, one for each eye, found in most terrestrial vertebrates and some marine mammals, that secrete the aqueous layer of the tear film. In humans, they are situated in the upper lateral region of each orbit, in the lacrimal fossa of the orbit formed by the frontal bone.

What is the nasolacrimal duct?

Anatomical terminology. The nasolacrimal duct (also called the tear duct) carries tears from the lacrimal sac of the eye into the nasal cavity. The duct begins in the eye socket between the maxillary and lacrimal bones, from where it passes downwards and backwards.

Where do your tears come from?

Tears come from glands above your eyes, then drain into your tear ducts (small holes in the inner corners of your eyes) and down through your nose. When your eyes don’t make enough tears, or your tears don’t work the right way, you can get dry eye.

How do I unblock my tear ducts?

If you have a bacterial infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotic eye drops or pills to treat the infection. For a narrowed punctum, your doctor can use a small probe to widen it. They’ll then flush or irrigate the tear duct with a saline solution. This is an outpatient procedure.

How is Dacryoscintigraphy used in nuclear medicine?

Dacryoscintigraphy (DSG), also known as lacrimal scintigraphy, is a nuclear medicine technique for imaging the lacrimal apparatus. It is used to identify obstructions, for example in the lacrimal duct, nasal cavity or nasolacrimal duct .

What kind of contrast is used in dacryocystography?

Dacryocystography (DCG) is a fluoroscopic contrast examination of the nasolacrimal apparatus. The nasolacrimal duct is cannulated enabling iodinated contrast to be instilled into the nasolacrimal system.

Which is a better method DSG or dacrocystography?

DSG is considered the best method to quantitatively assess the proportion of the dose drained in this way. It can also be useful in assessing functional problems, where the lacrimal system appears unobstructed, and for post-operative progress. Advantages of DSG over dacrocystography include better functional information and a lack of injection.