Gadolinium magnetic resonance imaging dacryocystography.

A 1:100 solution of 48% gadopentolate in liquid tear solution was used in magnetic resonance dacryocystography to image the canaliculi, nasolacrimal sac, and nasolacrimal duct. It was administered as an eyedrop, one drop every minute for five minutes, immediately before scanning in six normal and five abnormal nasolacrimal outflow systems. In cases of nasolacrimal obstruction, the dilute gadolinium solution was injected through the canaliculus immediately before scanning. A three-inch surface coil enhanced the detail of soft-tissue structures such as the canaliculi and lacrimal sac. In the evaluation of complex tearing disorders such as congenital, neoplastic, postsurgical, and posttraumatic nasolacrimal obstruction, gadolinium lacrimal contrast adds useful information to magnetic resonance images of the lacrimal outflow system. Because of the expense of the test, we do not recommend it as a routine examination.