The added value of SPECT/CT in dacryoscintigraphy for the diagnosis of nasolacrimal duct obstruction: differentiation between obstruction localization and radiation contamination

Abstract

Epiphora, an abnormal overflow of tears, is commonly caused by tear drainage system anomalies including nasolacrimal duct obstruction. To evaluate the function of the system, dacryoscintigraphy is a commonly available non-invasive method under a nuclear medicine dynamic acquisition. We recommend the use of SPECT/CT after the dynamic acquisition to localize the obstruction site and to differentiate that tear overflow is not due to radiation contamination as sometimes encountered in dacryoscintigraphy. A case is presented to support the use of SPECT/CT in the protocol.