The most common site for localized forms of plasma cell neoplasms (extramedullary plasmacytoma; EMP) is the upper respiratory tract, including the oropharynx, nasal cavities, sinuses and larynx. A 50-year-old woman with a history of myeloma in complete remission after autologous stem cell transplantation complained of two weeks of epiphora of the left eye with subsequent diplopia, bloody nasal ...

AIM To compare the diagnostic information provided by digital subtraction dacryocystography (DCG) and syringing of the nasolacrimal system in patients with epiphora. METHODS Twenty-five lacrimal systems of 17 patients, who presented with unilateral or bilateral epiphora and no concurrent ocular or lid abnormality, were prospectively entered into the study. The patients initially underwent syr...

One of the constant side-effects of a successful transantral vidian neurectomy, well-known among otolaryngologists, is the interruption of the secreto-motor nerve supply to the lacrimal gland. Since this secreto-motor nerve supply is concentrated in the nerve of the pterygoid canal (vidian nerve) this is only to be expected. This depression of lacrimation appears to be permanent, yet in some 30...

AIMS To determine the efficacy of probing in the initial treatment of epiphora and the symptom free period in adults with blocked nasolacrimal ducts. METHODS The results of probing in 85 eyes with epiphora due to nasolacrimal duct obstruction were studied retrospectively after a mean follow up of 7.4 months (SD 11.6) by a questionnaire and interview survey of patients. RESULTS 35% of the ey...

OBJECTIVES To determine the outcome and long-term efficacy of external dacryocystorhinostomy (ext-DCR) with or without bicanalicular silicon intubation in patients with functional nasolacrimal drainage obstruction (FNLDO). MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with epiphora and patent lacrimal systems on nasolacrimal irrigation were prospectively enrolled in the study. Each patient was assessed with...

PURPOSE To analyze the success rate and complications in patients with lacrimal obstruction submitted to surgeries. METHODS The data of patients operated in the "Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual of São Paulo" were analyzed. The lacrimal intubation was performed with a silicone tube, removed after 8 weeks. Surgeries were considered successful in those cases where patients had no postopera...

PURPOSE Evaluation of efficiency, complications, and advantages of pushed monocanalicular intubation using Masterka(®) tube versus simple probing in patients with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO). PATIENTS AND METHODS This is a case-controlled study that included 60 eyes (of 53 patients); 30 eyes underwent probing and 30 eyes intubation using the Masterka tube as a primary tre...

Dry eye syndrome is a relatively common disease of the tears and ocular surfaces that results in discomfort, visual disturbance, and tear film instability with possible damage to the ocular surfaces. Microvascular submandibular gland (SMG) transfer offers a surgical alternative for a permanent autologous substitution of tears using the basal secretion of a transplanted SMG. Long-term follow-up ...

INTRODUCTION External dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) has been the gold standard for treatment of epiphora. Currently several endoscopic DCR techniques are described. We evaluated results of endonasal DCR in our institution. METHODS A retrospective chart review of a consecutive series of DCR procedures. Patients were subjected to a questionnaire a minimum of 6 months postoperatively to assess lon...