Dacryoscintigraphy

Dacryoscintigraphy is a diagnostic procedure used in the field of ophthalmology to evaluate the functioning of the lacrimal system. This procedure involves the use of a radioactive tracer to visualize the drainage pathway of tears from the eye to the nose.

Procedure

The procedure of Dacryoscintigraphy involves the administration of a small amount of a radioactive tracer, usually Technetium-99m, into the conjunctival sac of the eye. The patient is then asked to blink several times to spread the tracer across the eye and into the tear drainage system. Images are taken at regular intervals to track the movement of the tracer. The images can help to identify any blockages or abnormalities in the tear drainage system.

Uses

Dacryoscintigraphy is primarily used to diagnose conditions that affect the tear drainage system, such as dacryocystitis, dacryostenosis, and epiphora. It can also be used to evaluate the success of surgical procedures such as dacryocystorhinostomy.

Risks

As with any procedure involving radioactive materials, there is a small risk of radiation exposure. However, the amount of radiation used in Dacryoscintigraphy is very small and the benefits of the procedure generally outweigh the risks.

See also

• Nuclear medicine
• Ophthalmology
• Lacrimal system

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