Dynamic viscosity of the wall of the lacrimal sac in disorders of the patency of the lacrimal ducts

PURPOSE

To assess the dynamic viscosity of the lacrimal sac wall in patients with various origins of lacrimal duct obstruction.

METHODS

The study was performed in 35 cases: 21 cases with primary nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) and 14 cases with secondary nasolacrimal duct obstruction after radioiodine therapy (SALDO). The study of biomechanical properties of the lacrimal sac was carried out using a test bench. The principle of the study was to indent the sample at a given speed and record the data obtained from the sensor of the force transmitted to the sample. The area under the curve (AUC) and the peak viscosity were calculated. A qualitative characteristic of the obtained curve was given.

RESULTS

Median AUC in patients with PANDO was 17 × 106 [6 × 106; 19 × 106] N/m2 × s, in patients with SALDO 21 × 106 [13 × 106; 25 × 106] N/m2 × s. Intergroup differences were statistically significant (p = 0,048). The median peak viscosity in PANDO patients was 29 × 106 [25 × 106; 35 × 106] N/m2, in patients with SALDO 32 × 106 [21 × 106; 41 × 106] N/m2. The qualitative characteristics of the obtained curves differed.

CONCLUSION

Biomechanical properties of the lacrimal sac may vary depending on the cause of obliteration of the lacrimal ducts. The integrated dynamic viscosity is significantly higher in SALDO patients due to exposure to radioiodine compared to that in PANDO patients.

[Anatomical structure and morphometric parameters of the distal segment of the lacrimal drainage system]

The article analyzes the literature data concerning the anatomical structure of the tear ducts with a focus on morphometric studies of individual structures. It is noted that, despite the high information content of cadaveric studies, most of the information to date has been obtained with the use of intravital radiation visualization methods. It is shown that the lacrimal drainage system has age, gender, and racial characteristics. Most studies focus on features of the bone nasolacrimal canal, while there is a relative shortage of research devoted to soft-tissue nasolacrimal duct. The analysis showed that most of the studies are devoted to particular morphometric indicators, which makes it difficult to obtain a complete objective picture of the size of the tear duct. Information about its volume can be found only in a couple of studies. The numerical values of the obtained data vary, which can be explained by a different approach to the selection of research subjects, sample sizes, anatomical criteria and the calculation method of morphometric parameters. There are only a few studies on morphometric parameters of the nasolacrimal duct in healthy humans, which is extremely important for determining the pathogenesis of disorders of the patency of the lacrimal drainage system.

[Dacryocystorhinostomy with a counteropening in the treatment of secondary nasolacrimal duct obstruction after radioiodine therapy]

Among secondary forms of nasolacrimal duct obstruction caused by radioactive iodine therapy, its distal forms localized in the area of the Hasner's valve are predominant. In this regard, during dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) there is a high probability of developing the sump syndrome, for which the anatomical prerequisite is that the lower edge of the DCR ostium is above the level of obstruction. In such cases, we propose to supplement DCR with a counteropening in the area of the Hasner's valve.

PURPOSE

This study analyzes the clinical effectiveness of dacryocystorinostomy with a counteropening.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The outcomes of 49 surgeries (49 patients) with secondary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction due to radioactive iodine therapy were analyzed, including 34 DCR and 15 DCR with a counteropening. The clinical outcomes were analyzed over the longest possible period after surgery. The analysis included the severity of tearing on the Munk scale, the characteristic of the formed ostium on the M. Ali scale and the height of the tear meniscus. Differences were considered significant at a confidence level of 95% (p≤0.05).

RESULTS

Analysis of the results of the performed surgeries showed that DCR was clinically effective in 30 (88%) cases, DCR with a counteropening - in 15 (100%) cases. The differences were not statistically significant in the total sample, but were statistically significant when comparing the results of surgeries in patients with distal obliteration.

CONCLUSION

The developed and clinically tested method of DCR with a counteropening in the area of the Hasner's valve was completely effective in 15 patients with secondary nasolacrimal duct obstruction caused by radioiodine therapy.

[Express-diagnosis of the diseases of the eye and its appendages by scanning electron microscopy with supravital staining]

This review describes the history of development of a new line of chemical reagents that prompts to significantly reevaluate the application of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in medical and biological studies, particularly in ophthalmology; considers the establishing of SEM as an analytical method; covers the problems in its application associated with the needs of clinical medicine and the complexities of biological sample preparation for electron microscopy. The article also presents in chronological order the technical solutions associated with creating a unique line of reagents for supravital staining. The multitude of technical solutions allows considering SEM as a method of express diagnostics. The review discusses examples of practical application of these methods for solving certain cases in clinical ophthalmology. The niche of SEM is considered among other methods of clinical diagnostics, as well as its future development involving the use of artificial intelligence.

[Disorders of lacrimal drainage: the way from theory to practice]

The article summarizes the results of research conducted over the past decade concerning the current problems of dacryology, analyzes the improvements made to the methods of diagnostics used in disorders of lacrimal passages on the basis of modern imaging and functional studies, describes the techniques aimed at improving the clinical effectiveness of the intervention, as well as drug and non-drug methods of intraoperative prevention of excessive scarring in the area of the artificial ostium. The article also analyzes the experience of using balloon dacryoplasty in relapses of tear duct obstruction after dacryocystorhinostomy, and presents the modern minimally invasive surgical techniques, including nasolacrimal duct intubation, as well as balloon dacryoplasty and endoscopic plastic surgery of the ostium of the nasolacrimal duct. Additionally, the work lists the fundamental and applied tasks of dacryology and outlines promising directions of its development.

[Dynamic pathomorphological characteristics of the nasolacrimal duct in its stenosis]

OBJECTIVE

Pathological description of the process of stenosis of the nasolacrimal duct at its various stages.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The material for the study was obtained from the wall of the nasolacrimal duct during surgery in 50 patients whose condition was attributed to the 1st, 2nd or 3rd clinical stage of dacryostenosis. The material was fixed in formalin and sent for pathohistological and immunohistochemical (IHC) studies.

RESULTS

In the 1st stage, the integrity of the epithelium of the nasolacrimal duct was preserved, the density of goblet cells was reduced. Seromucinous glands were single in the lamina propria in the area of stenosis. Diffuse lymphoid-plasmacytic infiltration was observed along the periphery of the terminal sections of the glands and in the subepithelial zone. The infiltrate includes CD68+ tissue macrophages and CD20+ and CD3+ lymphocytes, with a predominance of B-lymphocytes over T-lymphocytes. In the 2nd stage, changes in the epithelial layer in the stenosis zone were detected. In the IHC study, only individual leukocytes were observed in these zones, and T cells were found mainly in the subepithelial zone, B cells - deeper, monocytes - evenly in all layers. In the adjacent zones, the picture of the infiltrate corresponded to the 1st stage. In the 3rd stage, fragments of the nasolacrimal duct wall were represented by dense fibrous connective tissue with pronounced atrophic changes, areas of squamous metaplasia or proliferation of the basal layer, goblet cells were not detected. There was no infiltrate in the area of stenosis during IHC study. In the cellular elements of the infiltrate in areas adjacent to the stenosis zone, CD20+ and CD3+ lymphocytes were present in equal proportions, the arrangement in layers corresponded to that of the 2nd stage.

CONCLUSION

The results of the study showed that dacryostenosis is a progressive pathological process associated with the progredient development of chronic productive inflammation in the lacrimal ducts.

[Biometric characteristics of the lacrimal passages in healthy individuals and in patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction]

Despite an obvious interest in the processes occurring in the lacrimal passages in their obstruction, there is few articles analyzing their biometric parameters.

PURPOSE

The study investigates the biometric characteristics of the lacrimal passages in healthy individuals and in patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 81 cases of partial nasolacrimal duct obstruction and 38 cases without tear drainage insufficiency. All patients underwent computed tomography with dacryocystography. Analysis of the biometric parameters involved calculation of the length, volume, and average sectional area of the nasolacrimal duct and the nasolacrimal bony canal. The ratio R4/16l was calculated (where R is the radius of the nasolacrimal duct; l is the length of the nasolacrimal duct). The normality of values was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Intergroup differences were assessed using the Mann-Whitney test and t-statistics for independent samples. Correlation analysis was performed according to the Spearman method. ROC analysis was carried out. Differences were considered significant at p≤0.05.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in the volume (p=0.004) and the average sectional area of the nasolacrimal duct (p=0.014), as well as in the length of the nasolacrimal canal (p=0.034). Relationships were established between the age of patients without tear drainage insufficiency and the length of the nasolacrimal canal (p=0.042); the length of the nasolacrimal canal and the volume of the nasolacrimal duct (p=0.034), as well as the volume of the nasolacrimal duct and the nasolacrimal canal in partial nasolacrimal duct obstruction (p=0.017). The AUC of the R4/16l ratio in the ROC analysis was 0.653 (p=0.007).

CONCLUSION

In addition to the obvious differences, it was found that the length of the nasolacrimal bony canal significantly differed in the subjects of both study groups. We considered the tear ducts as a hydrodynamic system obeying Poiseuille's law, so we calculated the ratio R4/16l. The value of this ratio varied (p=0.016), and the ROC analysis showed high sensitivity and specificity of the criterion. This makes it possible to use this ratio as a diagnostic criterion for partial nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

[The role of local antiseptics in the prevention of coronavirus infection during endonasal interventions on the lacrimal ducts]

In connection with the pandemic of coronavirus infection, it is urgent to develop measures to prevent the intraoperative spread of coronavirus particles and infection of the operating room staff.

OBJECTIVE

Generalization and analysis of available data concerning local antiseptic therapy for the prevention of coronavirus infection during endonasal interventions on the lacrimal tract.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The search for literature sources was carried out using MEDLINE search engines and the Russian Science Citation Index for queries with the keywords "COVID-19", "coronavirus infection", "antiseptics", "protocol for otorhinolaryngological operations", "dacryosurgical operations" and similar in various combinations.

RESULTS

It has been shown that during endonasal operations on the lacrimal tract, the number of risk factors for infection increases, since these procedures are aerosol-generating, and contact occurs not only with the nasal mucosa, but also with the lacrimal fluid, in which the coronavirus is also replicated. The data on the effectiveness of various antiseptics are summarized, the analysis of the possibility of their use in preoperative preparation for endonasal interventions on the lacrimal tract from the point of view of efficacy and safety is carried out. Information is provided on the proprietary protocol for the use of antiseptics to prevent the spread of coronavirus infection during endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy. It is shown that the preventive use of local disinfectants reduces the number of viral particles on the nasal mucosa, which leads to a decrease in contamination of the surrounding space. Among the available and studied antiseptics, the most suitable is povidone-iodine, which can be used in concentrations up to 1.25% to irrigate the nasal mucosa before surgery with an exposure of 30-60 sec. When performing operations on the lacrimal pathways, it is also advisable to carry out antiseptic treatment of the conjunctival cavity with a 5% solution of povidone-iodine and rinse the lacrimal pathways before the operation with povidone-iodine in a concentration of 0.4%.

CONCLUSION

To date, information has been obtained that makes it advisable to use antiseptics before performing endonasal aerosol-generating interventions, in particular endonasal dacryocystorhinostomies and recanalization of the tear ducts.

[Retrobulbar hematoma in endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy]

Recently, an increase in the number of operations on the lacrimal ducts performed by otorhinolaryngologists has been noted throughout the world. During these operations, intra- and postoperative complications may develop, which require the intervention of an ophthalmologist. A rare complication of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy is the development of retrobulbar hemorrhage. This article presents a clinical case of the development of retrobulbar hemorrhage in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. The patient with dacryocystitis underwent endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. Preoperative computed tomography revealed a lack of bone tissue in the lacrimal sac fossa. Severe bleeding was noted during the operation. Against the background of tamponade of the formed anastomosis, a growing exophthalmos, conjunctival chemosis, subconjunctival hemorrhage were noted. After removing the tampon, a positive trend was noted. Dexamethasone solution was intraoperatively intravenously administered, in the postoperative period - methylprednisolone solution. According to computed tomography data, exophthalmos persisted on the first day after the operation, hematoma was localized. Visual functions are unchanged. Six months after the operation, the patient had no complaints. According to the computed tomography data, a functioning dacryorhinostomy anastomosis was determined. Often, an interdisciplinary approach to such complications is required, since it can provide full orbital decompression, as well as adequate postoperative management of the patient, which contributes to the most complete ophthalmic rehabilitation. The interaction of otorhinolaryngologists and ophthalmologists in such cases is an indispensable condition for the safety of the operation.

[Morphofunctional substantiation of repeated invasive treatment of chronic blepharitis]

The expanding range of diagnostic instrumental methods allows an in-depth study of the morphological and functional state of the eyelids, which is the basis for determining the strategy for the treatment of chronic blepharitis and subsequent timely supplementation and altering of its algorithm.

PURPOSE

To substantiate the repeated courses of invasive treatment of chronic blepharitis based on morphological and functional studies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 45 patients (90 eyes) with chronic mixed blepharitis. Instrumental research methods - laser Doppler flowmetry, laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), tiascopy, and optical coherence tomography - were used to assess the morphological and functional state of the eyelids during meibomian gland probing (MGP) and eyelid massage course. The therapy effectiveness was evaluated after 1 week, 1, 3 and 6 months.

RESULTS

Using a complex of diagnostic methods for assessing the morphological and functional state of the eyelids, surgical invasive treatment for mixed chronic blepharitis was proved to have a significant positive clinical effect compared with the eyelid massage traditionally used in polyclinic practice. After 6 months from the start of treatment, in the absence of changes in the clinical picture in both groups, functional changes in the control group were recorded that were expressed as a decrease in the values of the Norn test, confirmed by the data of tiascopy, and the number of functioning meibomian glands. The indicators of lacrimal meniscus depth in both groups corresponded to the values of the monitoring stage after 3 months. According to LSCM, the control group had higher inflammatory activity: the heterogeneity of the interstitium and the walls of the acini of the meibomian glands increased, the acinar area decreased in comparison with the main group. Deterioration of the blood flow microcirculation in both groups was manifested as a decrease in neurogenic rhythms. Additionally, a 3.05% decrease in myogenic rhythms was recorded in the main group. The study of the microcirculation of lymph flow showed a decrease in neurogenic rhythms in the main group by 4.79%.

CONCLUSION

The analysis of the morphological and functional state of the eyelids after MGP has shown that its results persisted for 6 months, and repeated probing was justified, while the interval before repeated course of eyelid massage averaged 1.5 months.

[Formation of concrements in the lacrimal excretory system]

Studying the pathogenesis of concrements formation in lacrimal ducts is of fundamental and practical importance. This article attempts to analyze available information related to the pathogenesis of this phenomenon, provides information on the etiopathogenesis, physical and chemical properties of concrements obtained from horizontal and vertical parts of the lacrimal duct, and considers in detail bacteriological and mycotic composition of concrements, as well as various theories of their formation. The analysis helped justify the need to separate the concrements formed in the horizontal and vertical parts of the lacrimal ducts on the basis of differences in their pathogenesis. Actinomycotic infection is the cause of concrements formation in the horizontal part of the lacrimal duct in the overwhelming majority of cases. The process of concrements formation in the vertical part of the lacrimal duct in some cases occurs as a result of previous clinical events, but in many other cases the trigger mechanisms remain unknown. To date, the role of the initial narrowing of the lacrimal ducts in the pathogenesis of concrements is not clearly defined. The accumulated knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of concrements is currently not enough to formulate a complete theory of the development of this phenomenon. Further studies of the pathogenesis of concrements will help develop new diagnostic and therapeutic measures aimed at restoring the patency of the lacrimal ducts.

[Inflammatory granuloma after intracanalicular punctal plug migration (a clinical case)]

At present, installation of punctal plugs (tear duct occluders) draws attention of ophthalmologists, but this method of treating dry eye syndrome (DES) is not without complications. Considering the rise of DES occurrence - the tendency anticipated to continue - as well as expansion of indications for installation of tear duct occluders, their usage can be expected to rise. The article describes a relatively rare clinical case that involved intracanalicular migration of silicone punctal plug. A female patient of 36 years old sought medical help in Research Institute of Eye Diseases (Moscow) to treat a lump in the area of lower lacrimal punctum in the left eye that was growing in size; the lump had appeared around 2 months prior to the visit. Patient's medical history read that around 2 years ago she had a silicone occluder installed in the lower lacrimal punctum of the left eye. On examination, in the area of lower lacrimal punctum, a body with a nutrient vascular pedicle deriving from lower lacrimal duct could be found. The occluder was absent in the opening of the lacrimal punctum. A revision of lower tear duct cavity was performed to remove its contents. The body filling tear duct opening was removed with forceps. Substance was then sent for histological examination. Tear duct was scraped out, the silicone occluder removed and sent to laboratory for scanning electron microscopy. The patient had no complaints 6 months after the procedure. CONCLUSION: The study showed that the forming body was granuloma resulting from aseptic inflammation. Surface of the silicone occluder in retention of lacrimal pathways remained unchanged. Described surgical tactic is suitable for treating patients with intracanalicular punctal plug migration.

[Rare cases of lacrimal stent dislocation]

Intubation of lacrimal passages is a relatively frequent procedure performed as either independent intervention, or as a part of a complex surgery. Although complications after intubation of lacrimal passages occur rarely, and their detailed description is easily found in literature, cases of stent dislocation often become difficult for the surgeon. The article presents two clinical cases belonging to the type of lacrimal stent dislocation not previously described in literature. In the first case, intrapalpebral arc of the stent was in the right position, while its nasal ends could not be found in the nasal cavity. Endoscopic stent reposition was performed using an endoscope with a 30-degree viewing angle. In the second case, intrapalpebral arc of the stent could not be determined, but its heel was removed from the lover nasal passage using an endoscope. This seems to have been preceded by intraluminal disruption of stent's integrity. The authors also analyze cases of lacrimal stent dislocation described in literature and reach a conclusion that endonasal endoscopy with the application of optics with different viewing angles is suitable for efficient visualization of a dislocated lacrimal stent and its reposition.

[The nasal mucosa and outcomes of dacryocystorhinostomy]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of the nasal mucosa on the outcomes of dacryocystorhinostomy on the basis of morphologic findings.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The investigation enrolled 73 patients who had undergone endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. Nasal mucosal biopsies were intraoperatively taken from all the patients. The obtained samples were subjected to standard histological examination, as well as to immunohistochemical study using an anti-alpha-smooth muscle actin antibody. To determine the intensity of inflammation in the tissue sample, a chronic inflammation score was calculated. The cell elements positively stained with α-smooth muscle actin were estimated using a semi-automatic method. The patients were divided into groups in accordance with the outcome of surgical treatment after 6 months.

RESULTS

An unfavorable outcome of dacryocystorhinostomy was observed in 10 (13.7%) patients. The samples obtained from the patients showed a higher chronic inflammation score (8.33%) and a larger number of the cell elements positively stained with α-smooth muscle actin (6026.38±1944.29). The correlation between the outcome of surgical intervention and the quantitative characteristics of myofibroblasts was statistically significant (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

These studies suggest that there is a direct correlation of the efficiency of endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with the presence and degree of chronic nasal mucosal inflammation at baseline.

[Meatoplasty - an effective method for surgical treatment of patients with nasolacrimal duct ostium stenosis]

The authors proposed a novel approach to the surgical correction of distal nasolacrimal duct stenosis - the meatoplasty of the nasolacrimal duct.

AIM

To evaluate the effectiveness of the developed surgical technique in cases of nasolacrimal duct ostium stenosis.

METHODS

78 patients (90 cases) with nasolacrimal duct stenosis at the level of it's ostium were included and divided into three comparable groups depending on the type of performed surgery: - the meatoplasty of the nasolacrimal duct in group 1, the meatoplasty with concomitant recanalization and bicanalicular silicone intubation of nasolacrimal duct by Ritleng in group 2 and recanalization with bicanalicular silicone intubation of nasolacrimal duct by Ritleng in group 3. A comparative analysis of the surgical treatment effectiveness of the patients of three groups was carried out.

RESULTS

The best effectiveness of treatment was noted in group 2 (positive outcomes in 90.0% of cases). The positive outcomes were obtained in 76.7% of cases in group 1 and in 66.7% of cases in group 3.

CONCLUSION

The developed surgical technique of meatoplasty with concomitant recanalization and bicanalicular silicone intubation of nasolacrimal duct is a highly-efficient and safe minimally invasive method for treatment of nasolacrimal duct ostium stenosis and it can be recommended in a wide clinical practice.

[Influence of fibrosis mediators on the outcomes of endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy]

INTRODUCTION

Fibrosis is the most important pathologic condition involved in undesirable outcomes of dacryocystorhinostomy. A number of biochemical factors are currently known to have an effect on wound healing by promoting excessive scarring. Isoforms of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β1) are considered the 'main' pro-fibrotic factor, but wound healing is also affected by other cytokines such as connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), which stimulates fibrosis, and fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2), which acts as antagonist to it.

PURPOSE

To investigate correlations between endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy outcomes and certain mediators of fibrosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 45 cases of endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy. The patients were grouped according to surgery outcome: patients with unsuccessful surgical treatment were assigned to group 1 (n=10); patients with successful surgical treatment - to group 2 (n=34). One patient was excluded from the study. Full-layer biopsy specimen were taken from patients' nasal mucosa before the surgery. TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, CTGF, FGF-2 concentrations were evaluated using ELISA and normalized by total protein concentration.

RESULTS

Surgical failure was observed in 10 cases (22.72%). CTGF concentration was significantly correlated with negative outcome (p<0.05) and was elevated in most specimen obtained from group 1. No significant correlation was noted between the concentrations of other evaluated cytokines in nasal mucosa specimens and the surgical outcome.

CONCLUSION

The study found a correlation between CTGF concentration in nasal mucosa and dacryocystorhinostomy outcome, which supports the hypothesis suggested by several authors linking dacryocystorhinostomy failure with chronic inflammation in nasal mucosa.

[Intraoperative prevention of dacryocystitis relapse]

The article reviews the literature devoted to modern intraoperative methods of preventing cicatricial process at the site of dacryostoma after endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. Despite the constant improvement of the surgery technique, complications in the postoperative period still occur. They include the formation of granulation tissue at the sites of dacryostoma, synechiae in the nasal cavity, or narrowing of the dacryostoma, which ultimately leads to a relapse of the disease. The main prevention methods are construction of flaps from the medial wall of the lacrimal sac, from mucosa of the nasal cavity, and intubation of the dacryostoma with the lacrimal implant. They are used separately and in various combinations.

[Mitomycin C after endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy]

Mitomycin-C (MMC) is the most frequently used agent for prevention of excessive scarring at the osteotomy site after endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (EEDCR), which, however, being applied during the final stage of the surgery, shows questionable effectiveness.

AIM

to evaluate the effectiveness of a new administration route of mitomycin C in EEDCR.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 86 patients (95 cases) in the age range of 62.3±9 years with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. All patients underwent P.J. Wormald modification of EEDCR and were further divided into 2 groups. In group 1, MMC was injected into the nasal cavity and lacrimal sac mucosa, while in group 2 it was applied locally according to the standard procedure. To measure tissue concentrations of MMC, mucosal biopsies were taken in patients of Group 1. Systemic absorption of MMC was studied through blood samples in both groups. Clinical efficacy was assessed in 14±5 months after surgery.

RESULTS

immediately after injection, the average tissue concentration of mitomicyn C in patients of Group 1, was 390±10 µg/g and 30 minutes later - 120±20 µg/g. No mitomycin C was found in Day 1 tissue samples and in any of the blood samples. Positive clinical results were reported in 97.9% of cases from Group 1 and in 87.2% of cases from Group 2.

CONCLUSION

The method of injecting MMC during the final stage of EEDCR has proved clinically effective and safe and can be recommended for use in clinical practice.

[Influence of TGF-β cytokine and a number of other biochemical factors on regenerative process]

Scarring is one of the main causes of surgical failure in a number of eye diseases, dacryologic conditions in particular. The process of wound healing, including postoperative wound healing, goes through several stages mediated by various biochemical factors, such as growth factors and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The balance between the latter directly influences the wound healing. However, current data on the effect of these factors on postoperative outcomes are few and contradictory. Thus, in dacryology as well as in other areas of ophthalmology, the role of cytokines and growth factors in healing of surgical wounds is being intensively researched.

[Treatment choice in dacryostenosis based on single-photon emission computed tomography and X-ray computed tomography findings]

AIM

To develop surgical indications in dacryostenosis within the vertical portion of lacrimal pathways that would consider findings of single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) combined with X-ray computed tomography (CT).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 96 patients with isolated vertical-portion dacryostenosis (127 cases) were enrolled. The examination included collecting Munk's scores for epiphora, optical coherence tomography of the lower tear meniscus, lacrimal scintigraphy, and SPECT/CT. Group 1 (40 cases) was composed of patients with lacrimal obstruction on CT, group 2 (87 cases) - of those whose lacrimal pathways proved passable. There were also 3 patients (4 cases) from group 1, whose lacrimal pathways, despite being blocked on CT, were still passable on SPECT. Surgeries performed in group 1 were endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) (36 cases) and pathways recanalization with bicanalicular intubation and balloon dacryoplasty (DCP) (4 cases). In group 2, all patients (87 cases) underwent recanalization with bicanalicular intubation (supplemented with balloon DCP in 32 cases). Surgical results were evaluated 8-12 months after the treatment. In group 2, particular attention was paid to the concordance in locations of dacryostenosis provided by CT and SPECT scans.

RESULTS

Favorable outcomes of endoscopic endonasal DCR were obtained in as many as 32 cases from group 1 (88.9%), while in 4 cases (12.1%) the condition relapsed. Of those patients whose stenosis was not complete on SPECT, 3 cases (75.0%) improved, 1 (25.0%) - relapsed. In group 2, favorable outcomes were obtained in 65 cases (74.7%), relapses were 22 (25.3%). A high concordance in stenosis locations by CT and SPECT was noted in 60 cases of those who improved (92.3%) and 3 cases of those who relapsed (13.6%).

CONCLUSION

The value of information provided by SPECT/CT has proved high in patients with nasolacrimal duct stenosis or obstruction. A combined scan allows to establish causal relationships between anatomical changes and functional failure of lacrimal pathways and to make an optimal treatment choice.

[Use of optical coherence tomography based lacrimal meniscometry in dacryology]

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) based lacrimal meniscometry is currently the most accurate method used to determine dimensions of tear meniscus. According to related literature, the latter gets reliably reduced after treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstructions. However, the relationship between morphometric parameters of tear meniscus and the intensity of epiphora has not been established. Even an adequate study parameter has not been yet identified.

AIM

To investigate the significance of OCT based lacrimal meniscometry in determining the extent of insufficiency of lacrimal drainage.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 108 measurements of the lower tear meniscus were taken. Of them, 23 measurements were taken in healthy volunteers, who had no complaints of epiphora, 59 - in patients with epiphora of different intensity, and 26 - in patients after surgical intervention. Meniscometry was performed with RTVue-100-2 (Optovue, USA) optical coherence tomograph. The tear meniscus 'height', 'depth', and coefficient were evaluated. Munk's scores for epiphora were also collected. Spearman's correlation was applied to assess the morphometry results and Munk's scores. A separate analysis was performed for patients who were examined before and after dacryological treatment. Differences were evaluated with the Kruskal-Wallis H test.

RESULTS

Statistically reliable differences were found between the meniscus 'height' and 'depth' values at different epiphora intensities (p<0.001 for both parameters; H=25.35 and 22.01, respectively), however, the meniscus coefficients showed no significant difference in these patients (p=0.8, H=1.57). Moreover, there was a highly reliable (p<0.001) medium strength direct correlation between the meniscus 'height' and 'depth' and the Munk's scores (R=0.46 and R=0,48, respectively), while the correlation between the meniscus coefficient and the Munk's scores appeared weak and lowly reliable (p=0.20, R=0.14).

CONCLUSION

Lower meniscus morphometry with 'depth' measurement is a comprehensive method to assess the state of lacrimal drainage system. However, it should not be used alone due to significant variations in morphometric parameters, particularly in patients with intensive epiphora.

[Morphological analysis of reparative process at osteotomy site after endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy]

Ostium closure due to local reparative processes is the most common cause of recurrence after endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), but as yet poorly studied.

AIM

To perform morphological study of reparative processes at osteotomy site after endoscopic endonasal DCR.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 18 patients (18 women) aged 62.59±10.07 years with nasolacrimal duct obstruction, who underwent endoscopic endonasal DCR (P.J. Wormald modification). Osteotomy site biopsies were taken on days 2, 5, 7, 10, 14, 21, 28, and 60 after the surgery. All the samples were stained with haematoxylin and eosin. For further details on cellular composition of inflammatory infiltrate, 54 samples were also processed into semi-thin sections. The slides were then viewed under Leica DM-2500 (Leica, Germany) photomicroscope. Leica DFC320 digital camera and ImageScope Color software were used for image acquisition and analysis.

RESULTS

Morphological examination revealed the predominance of inflammatory cells in biopsy material on day 1 after DCR. On day 14, the number of cells would usually be reduced indicating the completion of the exudative phase of inflammation. Since then, activated fibroblasts prevailed over the rest of cellular elements. Twenty eight days after DCR, proliferating fibroblasts and collagen fibers were present. Sixty days after the surgery, fibrillar component prevailed over cells and showed compaction.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that the reparation process nears completion before day 60 after the surgery. A series of morphological examinations of biopsy material from osteotomy sites has revealed individual features of reparation in nasal and lacrimal sac mucosa after endoscopic endonasal DCR.

[Comparative analysis of the results of balloon dacryoplasty for stenoses at different levels of the vertical portion of lacrimal pathways]

AIM

to compare the effectiveness of balloon dacryoplasty (DCP) for stenoses at different levels of the vertical portion of lacrimal pathways and to establish the necessity of consequent intubation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 120 clinical cases in 85 patients (66 females and 19 males with the mean age of 53.61 ± 11.82 years) have been analyzed. Patients with cervical stenosis of the lacrimal sac constituted two groups: group 1 (19 patients, 30 balloon DCP surgeries) and group 2 (22 patients, 30 balloon DCP surgeries with Ritleng intubation). Two other groups consisted of patients with nasolacrimal orifice stenosis: group 3 (21 patients, 30 balloon DCP surgeries) and group 4 (23 patients, 30 balloon DCP surgeries with Ritleng intubation). Besides routine examinations, the assessment included collection of Munk's scores for epiphora, evaluation of health-related quality of life, lacrimal meniscometry, lacrimal scintigraphy, contrast enhanced multi-slice spiral computed tomography of lacrimal pathways, and single-photon emission computed tomography. The follow-up period was 6 months.

RESULTS

In group 1 a complete recovery was achieved in 18 (60.00%) cases, improvement--in 9 (30.00%) cases, while a relapse occurred in 3 (3.00%) cases; in group 2, there were 18 (60.00%) recoveries, 10 (33.33%) improvements, and 2 (6.67%) relapses; in group 3--12 (40.00%) recoveries, 5 (16.66%) improvements, and 13 (43.34%) relapses; in group 4--19 (63.33%) recoveries, 8 (26.67%) improvements, and 3 (10.00%) relapses.

CONCLUSION

Balloon dacryoplasty is effective in restoring patency of occluded lacrimal pathways. Success rate is higher in cervical stenoses of the lacrimal sac than in nasolacrimal orifice stenoses. Ritleng intubation after balloon DCP favors better outcomes in patients with nasolacrimal orifice stenosis.

[Developing the optimal protocol for balloon dacryoplasty]

AIM

To develop the optimal protocol for balloon dacryoplasty (DCP) through an experiment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The experiment enrolled 12 Chinchilla rabbits (24 eyes). DCP protocol for group 1 (5 rabbits, 10 eyes) implied two dilations of 90 and 60 sec followed by another two of the same duration, while in group 2 (5 rabbits, 10 eyes) all four dilations were of 90 sec. The balloon was moved proximally before the every third dilation. The remaining 2 rabbits (4 eyes) who did not receive balloon DCP constituted the control group. The animals were killed on days 1, 3, 7, and 14. In all cases nasolacrimal duct morphology was studied.

RESULTS

By day 14 after the procedure, inflammatory changes in nasolacrimal ducts either had resolved (protocol 1) or persisted (protocol 2).