Radionuclide dacryocystography.

Radionuclide dacryocystography (RNDCG) is a safe, physiologic method of evaluating lacrimal drainage. The technique is performed by placing a radioactive "tear" in the eye(s) and following the passage of radioactivity through the lacrimal drainage apparatus with a scintillation (gamma) camera. RNDCG is indicated in any patient with tearing who has a lacrimal drainage system which is open to irrigation.

Is glass visible on plain radiographs? A cadaver study.

Eighteen randomly selected pieces of nonleaded glass from a collection of 30 pieces from broken bottles of four known color types found on the streets of Houston were sorted into four sets with one control. The purpose of this study was to determine if regular glass is visible on plain radiographs and whether color, location, or volume of these fragments had any effect on the detection of nonleaded glass. These sets were then placed into a fresh-frozen cadaver foot and ankle with a history of insulin-dependent diabetes and peripheral vascular disease.

Lacrimal ultrasonography.

Lacrimal ultrasonography (echography) evaluates lesions in that drainage system in a painless, noninvasive way in the office. The technique complements other imaging methods and can be correlated with histological results. The authors survey the principles and technique and describe the normal ultrasound, indications, applications, and limitations.

Anaerobic orbital cellulitis: a clinical and experimental study.

In this article we have reviewed the clinical and bacteriologic aspects of anaerobic orbital cellulitis and have presented six patients to illustrate these points. Physicians who treat patients with orbital cellulitis should have a high index of suspicion for possible instances involving anaerobes, so that appropriate management can be started early. To investigate this problem further, we created an animal model of anaerobic orbital cellulitis.

Effects of sickle cell anemia on conjunctival oxygen tension and temperature.

Because conjunctival vessels are affected by sickle cell disease, we wanted to see if conjunctival PO2 (partial oxygen tension) and temperature were also affected and if these measurements could aid in managing these patients. Conjunctival PO2 and temperature in 23 asymptomatic homozygous patients with sickle cell anemia did not differ significantly from those in age-matched controls. However, 12 subjects in painful sickle cell crisis had a significantly lower conjunctival PO2 than before crisis despite no significant change in hematocrit and conjunctival temperature.