[Ultrasound spatial clinical analysis of the orbital part of the lacrimal gland in health]

Abstract

The paper presents an algorithm of ultrasound spatial analysis of the unaltered lacrimal gland. The algorithm has been used to define its shape, size, density, structural features and the pattern of blood supply, as well as the anatomic and topographic position in the orbit. The study was conducted in the B- and 3D-modes of color and energy Doppler mapping on both sides. The procedure was based on the clinical examination of 40 healthy individuals aged 20 to 75 years who had no systemic vascular and lymphoid tissue lesions or functional impairments of the lacrimal gland itself. The study defined the mean values of the ultrasound section of the lacrimal gland: 1-1.8 and 0.5-0.8 cm for vertical and horizontal ones, respectively; the mean volume of the lacrimal gland of 0.66 to 1 cm(3) and the densitometric parameters (density and vasculogenicity index); three types of structural manifestations of the unaltered lacrimal gland were identified. The proposed algorithm of ultrasound study of the lacrimal gland may enhance the accuracy and validity of results in the differential diagnosis of various orbital diseases.