Eponymous "valves" of the nasolacrimal drainage apparatus. I. A historical review

A major review of punctal stenosis: Updated anatomy, epidemiology, etiology, and clinical presentation

We aim to provide a detailed and updated literature review on the epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentations, histopathology, and ultrastructural features of punctal stenosis. There are inconsistencies in the definition and staging of punctal stenosis. While advanced optical coherence tomography imaging techniques have revolutionized the way the punctum and vertical canaliculi are assessed or monitored following treatment, the planes of measurement to characterize punctum anatomy need to evolve further. The current criteria for diagnosing and grading punctal stenosis are inadequate and based on empirical clinical findings. There is increasing evidence of the role of lymphocytes and myofibroblasts in the pathogenesis of punctal stenosis. There is a need for a uniform assessment of punctal stenosis and a uniform reporting of severity that would help standardize the several management options available in the lacrimal armamentarium.

Valvular System of the Lacrimal Drainage Pathway and the Valve of Rosenmüller

The valves of the lacrimal drainage system are an enigma with a rich eponymous history. The unidirectional flow of tears along with the ultrastructural demonstration of distinctive mucosal folds on the luminal surface has rekindled an interest in them. The first in vivo direct demonstration of the valve of Rosenmüller and its functions has laid to rest some of the controversies of its existence and that of the valve of Huschke. The dynamic assessment of the valve of Rosenmüller has shown a well-defined functional role in the facilitation of unidirectional tear flow. The present mini review describes the embryological aspects, brief overview of the eponymous valves, techniques for their identification along with recent structural and functional aspects of the valve of Rosenmüller.

Ocular Involvement of SARS-CoV-2 in a Polish Cohort of COVID-19-Positive Patients

The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 responsible for the current human COVID-19 pandemic has shown tropism toward different organs with variable efficiency, eyes included. The purpose of this study has been to investigate the presence of detectable SARS-CoV-2 infection in ocular swabs in patients affected by COVID-19. A consecutive series of 74 COVID-19-positive patients (age 21-89) were enrolled at two Polish COVID-19 hospitals for 4 months and were characterized by PCR for the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 genetic material in nasopharyngeal (NP) and ocular swabs, while their respiratory and ocular symptoms were noted. Almost 50% of them presented with severe/critical respiratory involvement, and some degree of eye disease. No tight correlation was observed between the presence of ocular and respiratory symptoms. Three male patients presenting with severe/critical lung disease tested positive in ocular swab, however with mild/moderate ocular symptoms. In conclusion, our study lends further support to the view that overt ocular infection by the SARS-CoV-2 virus is not such a frequent occurrence.

Pharmacological pupil dilatation after sinus surgery

Orbital complications after endoscopic sinus surgery are serious problems. Inadvertent contamination of the eye by pharmacological solution can lead to early postoperative anxiety to patients and high concern to surgeons. This is a rare case report of retrograde epinephrine flow through lacrimal duct in sinus surgery with learning tips during postoperative assessment for reassurance in temporary pharmacological effect rather than serious complication.

In Vivo Morphological Study of Common Canalicular Orifice and Its Impact on Lacrimal Probing

PURPOSE

To study the in vivo morphology of common canalicular/lacrimal sac mucosal folds (CLS-MFs) and their relationship with probing findings.

METHODS

Consecutive cases undergoing endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy had endoscopic examination of the internal canalicular orifice (ICO). Details of CLS-MFs folds, probing findings, and outcomes of dacryocystorhinostomy were analyzed.

RESULTS

Thirty-six lacrimal systems of 34 patients (mean age, 58 years; 7 males, 27 females) were examined. All 36 lacrimal systems had a single common canalicular orifice entering the lacrimal sac (100%). Overall, 61.1% (22/36) had visible CLS-MFs, out of which only 13.6% (3/22) were overhanging the ICO requiring manipulation of the probe to enter the lacrimal sac. The orientation of folds was superior 180° in 2, posterosuperior in 2, posterior in 6, inferior 180° in 6, and inferior 270° (excluding 10-2'o clock quadrant) in 6 systems. Two cases preoperatively labeled as having common canalicular obstruction, based on lacrimal syringing, had CLS-MFs impacting against the ICO without any anatomical obstruction. One of 5 cases with lacrimal sac mucocele had CLS-MFs located along the posterosuperior edge extending for 270°, which resulted in a soft stop on preoperative lacrimal syringing findings. Only 1 case had a true membrane (2.7%) overlying the ICO, which required excision. No differences in outcomes of dacryocystorhinostomy were observed between cases with CLS-MFs versus without any folds.

CONCLUSION

CLS-MFs display a wide variation in terms of morphological location and extent along the ICO. They might be responsible for the false soft stop observed in some cases on preoperative syringing and do not require excision.

Valve of Rosenmüller: Endoscopic Real-Time Analysis of Two Subtypes and Potential Functional Implications

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to examine the endoscopic anatomy of the valve of Rosenmüller in real-time and its potential functional implications.

METHODS

High-definition endoscopic documentation of the valve of Rosenmüller (VOR) during 50 powered endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy over a period of 2 years were reviewed. The presence or absence of the valves were assessed and when present, each of the valves were studied for their anatomical configuration, shape, precise location, and changes with opening and closing of the internal common opening (ICO) and with the presence and absence of the probe.

RESULTS

VOR was noted in 68% of the subjects studied and 2 distinct subtypes were noted with type I being more common. The Type 1 VOR was a stand-alone, freely mobile, elliptical valve arising from the superior or postero-superior portion of the medial edge of the ICO. The Type II VOR was a group of a superior and inferior mucosal fold, arising from the superior and inferior portions of the medial edge of the ICO. When the ICO opens slowly, the valve tends to fall outwards towards the lacrimal sac. When the ICO slowly closes back, the valve moves inward towards the common canaliculus.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to demonstrate the in-vivo presence of VOR. Two different types of VOR were noted with characteristic shapes, locations, and movements of each. Where present, VOR fulfills the criteria of a true valve. The study proposes that the term "valve of Huschke" is a misnomer and when present, is actually part of the overall anatomical and functional unit of VOR.Detailed anatomical features of the valve of Rosenmϋller can help our understanding of the focal anatomy and tear rheology.