[High-frequency ultrasonography applied to disorders of the lacrimal canaliculi (Part 2)].

INTRODUCTION: Thirty patients presenting disorders of the lacrimal passages were examined using high-frequency ultrasonography in the hopes that this diagnostic tool would provide better image resolution and better reproduction quality than conventional 8- to 10-MHz ultrasound examination.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: To carry out this examination, we were able to combine a 20-MHz ultrasound probe to the I3 ultrasound diagnostic device. The patient was then positioned and the interior palpebral angle was filled with methylcellulose.

RESULTS: In all patients, we succeeded in detecting the course and diameter of the lacrimal passages with better images than those provided by conventional ultrasound. We found that chronic canaliculitis was an important clinical domain for the 20-MHz ultrasound. Diagnosis is made easily and decisive information is provided. In all patients with this disorder (n=5), widening of the lacrimal passages, development of a diverticulum, and the presence of drusen concretions were observed.

CONCLUSION: In our opinion, the use of high-frequency sonography as a noninvasive diagnostic technique is advised in cases of lacrimal passage disorders and is valuable in detecting chronic canaliculitis.