Abstract
ObjectivesTo estimate the normal dimensions of lacrimal glands (LGs) in the Pakistani population using computed tomography (CT) scan and to determine the associations of LG dimensions with age, sex, and laterality.MethodsThe study population included subjects aged ≥16 years without orbital pathology who underwent CT evaluation of both the right and left LGs at Dr. Ziauddin University Hospital from June 2018 to November 2019. The mean axial length (AL), axial width (AW), coronal length (CL), and coronal width (CW) of each LG were measured separately.ResultsThe 108 subjects enrolled in this study included 75 (69.4%) men and 33 (30.6%) women, with a mean age of 49±20 years. Right and left LG dimensions were similar, including mean AL (13.53±1.80 mm vs. 13.35±1.72 mm), mean AW (4.20±0.81 mm vs. 4.05±0.93 mm), mean CL (15.46±1.97 mm vs. 15.26±1.87 mm), and mean CW (3.99±0.80 mm vs. 3.86±0.81 mm). The AL of both LGs and the CL and CW of right but not left LGs were significantly lower in women than in men. Age showed significant correlations with the AL and CL of both LGs.ConclusionThese findings establish the normal range of LG dimensions in adult Pakistani populations. Some LG dimensions are smaller in women than in men, as well as correlating with age.
Highlights
The lacrimal glands (LGs) are paired, almond-shaped glands located in the lacrimal fossa area
The Axial length (AL) of both LGs and the Coronal length (CL) and Coronal width (CW) of right but not left LGs were significantly lower in women than in men
The present study evaluated LG dimensions in subjects in patients who underwent computed tomography (CT) for evaluation of orbit pathology and were found to have normal LG
Summary
The lacrimal glands (LGs) are paired, almond-shaped glands located in the lacrimal fossa area. The outer and upper areas of each orbit are located close to the superior and lateral rectus muscles [1]. LG diseases such as granulomatous tumors and autoimmune diseases can be confirmed by the presence of anomalies on orbital imaging [2]. Other conditions that can affect LGs, including their sizes, include granulomatous/autoimmune diseases and neoplastic disorders [2,6]. It is difficult to identify tumors by clinical examination alone, LG enlargement may be detected by physical examination. Advanced radiological techniques can accurately diagnose LG diseases, differentiating them from other orbital disorders, enabling optimal treatment, and determining patient responses to treatment [4,8]
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