Nasolacrimal Canal Research Articles

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy to treat congenital nasolacrimal canal dysplasia: a retrospective analysis in 40 children

BackgroundTo investigate the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR) to treat congenital nasolacrimal canal dysplasia (CNCD).MethodsForty children (50 eyes) with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) and lacrimal bony dysplasia, including 8 children with bony atresia (10 eyes) and 32 with bony stenosis (40 eyes), were recruited in this retrospective study. Standardized EN-DCR was performed in all cases. The postoperative observations included relief of symptoms, fluorescein dye disappearance test (FDDT), syringing of lacrimal passages and anastomotic patency under nasal endoscopy. Patients were followed up for 8–18 months.ResultsStandardized EN-DCR surgery had a success (cure and improvement) rate of 100%, including a cure rate of 82% and an improvement rate of 18%. The cure rate among 40 cases of bony nasolacrimal duct stenosis was 82.5%, while that of 10 cases of bony nasolacrimal duct atresia was 80%. Statistical analysis showed that nether the receipt of other treatments before surgery nor the type of bony nasolacrimal duct dysplasia affected the cure rate. No significant complications were observed during postoperative follow-up except for four cases (4 eyes) that suffered middle turbinate and nasal mucosal adhesion and two cases with sinusitis.ConclusionsCNCD is a type of CNLDO that does not respond to conservative and conventional treatment. EN-DCR represents a safe and effective treatment for children with CNCD. In addition, the combination of EN-DCR with lacrimal CT scanning provides advantages over traditional lacrimal surgery in that it has a high success rate with a low incidence of complications.

Classification of Cranio-Ophthalmic Cavities

In ophthalmology orbit is the main cavity which contains the eyeball and many other structures related to ocular functions. Lacrimal fossa contains the lacrimal sac, nasolacrimal canal contains the nasolacrimal duct whereas the fossa for the lacrimal gland contains the lacrimal gland

Complex Stenoses and CT Features of the Nasolacrimal Canal in Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction.

To study the CT appearance of the nasolacrimal canal (NLC) in cases of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) where there is a tactile sensation of a hard contact (HC) stop in the duct preventing stent intubation. The authors retrospectively reviewed all consecutive cases of chronic CNLDO observed between 2003 and 2018 in which an apparent HC obstruction prevented nasolacrimal intubation. CT scans were reviewed to determine the cause of probing failure: distal stenosis, loss of parallelism of the NLC walls, abnormal angulations or an adjacent obstacle blocking tear outflow. Nine patients (12 sides) met the following criteria: CNLDO + HC + probing failure. The mean age at the time of the first HC was 3.9 years (range: 0.8-8.1 years) and at the time of a second confirmation of HC with subsequent dacryocystorhinostomy was 7.8 years (range: 4.1-9.2 years). Nasolacrimal duct opacification was noted in 33% of cases (4/12). Abnormalities of the NLC occurred in 8 of the 12 cases of CNLDO (8/12 = 66.6%) and on the asymptomatic side in 1 case (1/6 = 16.6%). A canine tooth bud situated in the same plane as the NLC was observed in 9 cases of CNLDO (9/12 = 75%) and on the asymptomatic side in 2 cases (2/6 = 33.3%). HC noted during probing is a sensitive but relatively nonspecific sign which, nevertheless, does indicate either a complex obstruction or at least potential intubation difficulties. As confirmed by CT imaging, a significant anatomical variant is not necessarily predictive of epiphora, but nevertheless may complicate the intubation procedure.The authors describe hard contact palpation during probing for CLNDO and its relationship to anatomic location and etiologies of obstruction in the nasolacrimal canal by CT imaging.

A Case Report of Inverting Papilloma of Lacrimal Sac

Purpose To report a rare case of Inverting Papilloma originating from the Lacrimal Sac in Tertiary Hospital. Method Case report. Results Inverting papilloma is uncommon in lacrimal sac. More often presents in Maxillary sinus, Ethmoid sinus and lateral wall of nasal cavity. This case of 69 years old, Filipino male, who presented with a two-year history of gradually enlarging left medial canthal mass, and tearing. There were no ophthalmoplegia, visual disturbances, proptosis or pain but there was globe displacement superolaterally. Other ophthalmologic examinations were unremarkable at that time of examination. Orbital CT-scan revealed: Heterogenously enhancing mass extending to ipsilateral nasolacrimal canal and nasal cavity causing mass effect. There was note of a suspicious area of hyperostosis. Patient was referred to the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery for co-management. Punch biopsy was done and histopathology revealed Inverting papilloma. Combined surgical management of anterior Maxillectomy via lateral Rhinotomy approach and Dacryocystectomy was done. Intraoperatively, there was note of adhesions to bone in the area of the Lacrimal Sac corresponding to the area of hyperostosis on CT-scan. Post-operative recovery was unremarkable with unchanged visual acuity and extraocular muscle movement. Conclusions This is a case of an inverting papilloma involving the lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct that was managed with combined anterior maxillectomy via Lateral Rhinotomy approach and dacryocystectomy for complete resection. We recommended complete resection of the tumor to minimize recurrence. Origin in the Lacrimal Sac area was confirmed by intraoperative findings which correlated with CT- scan findings.

Air spaces neighbouring the infraorbital canal

The infraorbital canal (IOC) courses through the roof of the maxillary sinus (MS). Different grading systems concerning the topography of the IOC have been proposed. Further, it has been suggested that a transantral IOC would be morphologically related to Haller's cells (HCs). However, we hypothesized that this is not necessarily the case. Hence, we aimed to study the anatomical possibilities of the air spaces located medially to the IOC. The cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) files of 40 adult patients were retrospectively evaluated. The transantral type of IOC was found in 32.5% of patients. The infraorbital recesses of the MS were found medial to the IOC in 20% of patients. As referred to the nasolacrimal canal, these recesses were either prelacrimal (appearing as false isolated air cells) or retrolacrimal (appearing as false HCs). True HCs were found in 10% of patients. They were located medial to the IOC and they drained into the ethmoidal infundibulum (EI), which was distinct from the MS drainage. In 15% of patients, aerated nasolacrimal ducts (NLDs) were found anterior to the EI and medial to the antral angle. They were capable of masquerading either a HC or an infraorbital recess of the MS. Previous classifications of the IOC, which related it to HCs, were reviewed and the evidence was found to be insufficient to assess the HC-related topography of the IOC. Therefore, to achieve the accurate anatomical identification of the air spaces neighbouring the IOC, the infraorbital recesses of the MS, the HCs, and the aerated NLDs should be carefully discriminated within the antero-supero-medial antral angle.

Sectional anatomical observation of coronal plane of dacryocystorhinostomy related structures

Objective:To study coronal plane of dacryocystorhinostomy related structures for clinical practice. Method:Extracted images concluding lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal canal information from head coronal sectional imaging data-set we created.Observed shape and location of the left lacrimal sac,nasolacrimal canal, and surrounding structures.Measured details of the important portion.Result:Images of different layer show the shape and locative relationship of the lacrimal sac, nasolacrimal canal, and surrounding structures precisely.The thinnest thickness of medial wall and lateral wall of the lacrimal sac is 1.2mm and 0.6mm. There is a 2.3mm high longitudinal fold on the lateral wall.The thickness of medial wall and lateral wall of membranous nasolacrimal canal is(1.97±0.47)mm and(1.52±0.17)mm.Transverse diameter of membranous nasolacrimal canal is(1.78±0.12)mm. The thinnest thickness of medial wall and lateral wall of bony nasolacrimal canal is 0.30mm and 0.15mm.Transverse diameter of bony nasolacrimal canal is(5.50±0.12)mm.The proportion of cross-membranous nasolacrimal canal sectional area in bony nasolacrimal canal sectional area is(13.5±2.9)%.Conclusion: Head coronal sectional imaging data-set with high precision can be used for sectional anatomical study of the lacrimal sac, nasolacrimal canal and surrounding structures and measurement of details.

Nasal Carriage and Antibiotic Resistance Pattern of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolates from Clinical Staff of a Referral Hospital, Zabol, Iran

Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus is known as the causative agent of various infections in humans, and the nasal cavity is the main anatomical site for storing and spreading this pathogen in health care workers (HCWs) in hospital settings. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains are resistant to many antibiotics. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and antibiotic resistance patterns of S. aureus strains isolated from the nasal carriage of HCWs in a referral hospital in Zabol. Methods: A total of 277 HCWs of Amir-Al-Momenin hospital of Zabol participated voluntarily in this study from March to September 2017. Demographic information was collected using questionnaire. Bacterial isolates were collected from anterior nasal canal using cotton swabs. MRSA isolates were detected by Oxacillin Screen agar and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antibiotic resistance was assessed by the disk-diffusion method.Results: In total, 10.8% of HCWs were carriers of S. aureus and 46.7% of the isolates were found to be MRSA. Laboratory staffs were the most frequently colonized HCWs. All the isolates were susceptible to vancomycin, teicoplanin and gentamicin. The highest resistance rate (64.3%) of MRSA isolates was observed against erythromycin.Conclusion: Our findings showed that gentamycin and rifampin might be useful to eradicate S.aureus. Regular screening of HCWs and assessment of antibiotic resistance profile are essential to prevent MRSA dissemination in hospitals.

Computed tomography for guidance in the diagnosis and surgical correction of recurrent pediatric acute dacryocystitis.

ImportanceThis is the first retrospective study of the effect of computed tomography (CT) in diagnosis and surgical correction of recurrent pediatric acute dacryocystitis (PAD).ObjectiveTo explore the pathogenesis of recurrent PAD and the impact of CT in guidance of surgical planning.MethodsMedical histories, clinical manifestations, and CT results of 10 patients with recurrent PAD were reviewed. Etiologies and treatment effectiveness were recorded for all patients.Results CT revealed that three patients had congenital dacryocystocele with lacrimal sac cyst, enlargement of the nasolacrimal canal, and intranasal cyst of affected sides. After regression of local inflammation, marsupialization was performed. CT showed that four patients had PAD secondary to congenital nasolacrimal canal dysplasia; these patients exhibited normal upper portions of the nasolacrimal canals, but had stenotic or atretic middle and terminal segments. After improvement of local inflammation, endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy was performed. Three patients had PAD secondary to congenital lacrimal sac diverticulum; after contrast injection, CT showed that the cysts at the lacrimal sac area were filled with contrast, and were connected to the normal lacrimal sac. After the topical infection was controlled, transcutaneous dacryocystorhinostomy was performed in combination with excision of the lacrimal sac diverticulum. No recurrence of PAD was detected at 6‐month follow‐up.InterpretationCauses of PAD include congenital dacryocystocele, congenital lacrimal sac diverticulum, or congenital nasolacrimal canal dysplasia. Marsupialization with endoscope, endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy, and transcutaneous dacryocystorhinostomy constitute distinct surgeries for PAD treatment. CT provides an important diagnostic function and facilitates selection of specific surgical approaches for recurrent PAD.

Evaluation of the diameter of the bony naso-lacrimal canal in the primary obstructive pathologies of the lacrimal ducts

Evaluation of the diameter of the bony naso-lacrimal canal in the primary obstructive pathologies of the lacrimal ducts

Ritka szisztémás gyógyszer-interakció: timololtartalmú szemcsepp és lerkanidipintabletta együttes alkalmazása során ismétlődően jelentkező syncope

The control and planning of the treatment of hypertensive patients need specific attention. As regards concomitant diseases and treatments, glaucoma and the use of eye drops should be taken into consideration. The ingredients of the administered eye drops get through the nasolacrimal canal and can be absorbed by the nasal mucosa. Because of the lack of enterohepatic 'first pass' effect, they can act systemically - like after intravenous administration. This way they can cause systemic side effects. The authors present a case of a patient, too, who was examined and medically checked regularly for years with negative results because of repeated syncope. It became clear only at the Hypertension Centre that the timolol-containing combined eye drops caused the symptoms. The authors draw attention to the fact that in the case of systemic side effects which can be connected to beta-blocking agents (blood pressure fall, bradycardia, breathing disturbance, depression), the role of the eye drops should be taken into consideration. At the same time, the possibility of the systemic drug interactions should not be forgotten either. The interaction with dihydropyridine-type calcium-channel blockers can be of great importance. In these cases, after consultation with an ophthalmologist, the glaucoma treatment with eye drops containing beta-blockers should be modified. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(8): 309-313.

Treatment of Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction in Infants by Probing Without Irrigation

Nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) is a common congenital abnormality. Some obstructions resolve spontaneously and some require probing surgery with irrigation. However, the necessity of irrigation after probing is still under doubt. The study included 131 eyes (114 children) with persistent NLDO, between 9 to 48 months of age with no previous nasolacrimal surgical procedures, who had attended the ophthalmology clinic at Shafa Hospital, Kerman, Iran for NLDO treatment. Probing was done through the superior or inferior canalicular system into the nasolacrimal canal, not succeeded by irrigation. The duration of anesthesia was shorter than usual. Subjects were visited at 1 and 6 months after surgery. Before the surgery, all of the eyes had epiphora, 56% had mucopurolent discharge and 18% had a history of dacrocystitis, in which after the surgery the prevalence dropped to 6%, 5% and 4%. The average procedure time under general anesthesia was 5.9 minutes and the average recovery time wan 7.2 minutes, which was shorter than surgery with irrigation. In this study, we experienced similar results of probing without irrigation in comparison to probing with irrigation, also the surgery and anesthesia duration was shorter and the risk of aspiration was little. More studies from other centers and larger populations especially RCTs should be performed to confirm our results.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE INNER NASAL CAVITY IN ANIMALS IN PHYLO- AND ONTOGENESIS: FUNCTIONAL ANATOMIC SIGNIFICANCE IN THE DEVELOPMENT PERIOD

Іntroduction: Main functions of the inner nose in humans are respiration and olfaction. Therefore, human needs a large surface of inhalable and exhalable air contact, warming and moistening. Importance of these organs in animals in phylogenesis before and after the secondary palate development can explain their anatomic and functional designation. The aim is to find out the functional significance of some anatomic formations of the inner nose and their development peculiarities in phylo-and ontogenesis. Materials and methods: We used a comparative anatomy method where we compared well-known facts of different animals’ development before and after secondary palate formation in phylo- and ontogenesis. Review: Olfactory organ in lower vertebrates develops as canal with two openings through which as a result of water penetration the olfactory ability increases. Sinuses formation in animals happens after secondary palate formation. Secondary palate in embryo develops by second month of development, and sinuses’ development begins on the 3-4 month. As a result, upper jaws and facial skull became stronger. Importance of mucous and lacrimal glands of the nose cavity and mucous glands of mouth received new functions of animal and vegetable food digestion. Conclusions: development of the secondary palate in warm-blooded vertebrates changed (limited) functional applicability of the lacrimal gland and nasolacrimal canal, mucous glands of nose and vegetative innervation. Groups of lacrimal, mucous glands of nose and mouth are unified system of primary, neurosecretory reaction to environment.

Do Freshwater Hatchetfishes (Characiformes; Gasteropelecidae) hear with the top of their heads?

Event Abstract Back to Event Do Freshwater Hatchetfishes (Characiformes; Gasteropelecidae) hear with the top of their heads? Kevin W. Conway1* and Cristiano R. Moreira2 1 Texas A&M University, United States 2 Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil With a distinctly prominent coracoid, the members of the Gasteropelecidae (Carnegiella, Gasteropelecus, and Thorachocharax) are among the most unusual fishes within the order Characiformes. Although these fishes are well known for their ability to detect and locate potential prey items on the water surface at dusk, the morphological modifications that facilitate this behavior remain unknown. Here, we describe several potentially unique modifications of the surface of the head and laterosensory canals shared by the three genera of freshwater hatchetfishes that may be involved in prey detection at the water surface. The top of the head is covered by multiple rows of superficial neuromasts running from just posterior to the upper lip to the supraoccipital. The frontal and parietal have two longitudinal, parallel crests of bone that create two pairs of elongate troughs (one lateral and one medial) on the dorsal surface of the head. Each of these troughs is roofed by a thin layer of skin and appear to be derived from the supraorbital canal of the laterosensory system. The medial trough extends along the entire frontal and a portion of the parietal, connecting to the exterior only through the nasal canal. The shorter lateral trough is located dorsal to the orbit, and connected to the medial trough by a foramen piercing the longitudinal crest separating them. Except for the short nasal canal, each trough is isolated from the remaining components of the laterosensory canal system. Associated with each of these bony troughs are large banana-shaped neuromasts that are arranged perpendicular to each other (including two in the median chamber and one in the lateral chamber, as well as one in the foramen between the two). This morphological complex may serve as tympana, enabling gasteroplecids to locate precisely prey on water surface. Keywords: Mechanosensory system, Lateral line canal, Neuromast, SEM, CT Conference: XVI European Congress of Ichthyology, Lausanne, Switzerland, 2 Sep - 6 Sep, 2019. Presentation Type: Oral Topic: MORPHOLOGY, ONTOGENY AND PALAEONTOLOGY Citation: Conway KW and Moreira CR (2019). Do Freshwater Hatchetfishes (Characiformes; Gasteropelecidae) hear with the top of their heads?. Front. Mar. Sci. Conference Abstract: XVI European Congress of Ichthyology. doi: 10.3389/conf.fmars.2019.07.00079 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 19 Jun 2019; Published Online: 14 Aug 2019. * Correspondence: Dr. Kevin W Conway, Texas A&M University, College Station, United States, conwaykw@gmail.com Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Kevin W Conway Cristiano R Moreira Google Kevin W Conway Cristiano R Moreira Google Scholar Kevin W Conway Cristiano R Moreira PubMed Kevin W Conway Cristiano R Moreira Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

The use of microflaps in the primary surgical treatment of the pathology of the nasolacrimal canal

The use of microflaps in the primary surgical treatment of the pathology of the nasolacrimal canal

MORPHOLOGY OF LACRIMAL GLANDS AND HARDERIAN GLAND IN LABORATORY RATS

Lacrimal apparatus of laboratory rodents and, in particular, rats has been comparatively well studied. The history of its research was presented in works by Levental and Kulchitskyi (1894, 1911.). The structure of human’s lacrimal glands has being studied and completed. Much attention was paid to the drainage of tears from the lacrimal sac to nasolacrimal canal in the humans and rats, age-related changes of secretory epithelium in lacrimal glands of rats, detailed study of the major lacrimal glands in humans (palpebral and orbital lobes). Otherwise, tear-producing and tear-secreting parts of human lacrimal apparatus are understudied organ microcomplexes. This research paper descrides the morphological and functional peculiarities of tear secretion ducts under normal functioning of lacrimal glands.Rats have two paired lacrimal glands. One of glands, smaller in size, is intraorbital (infraorbital) and another, larger, is exoorbital one. Exoorbital gland is larger than intraorbital one. Ducts of these glands join before opening through common duct into conjunctival sac in the external corner of the eye. Both lacrimal glands of rats originate from common embryonic germ and perform the same function and thus, are of the similar histological structure. Moreover, they demonstrate similar spectrum of age-related changes in the morphology. Orbits of rats whithin their boundaries form one more glandular formation, Harderian glands. They release the secretion, rich in lipids and porphyrines. Some scientists report that there no glands like those in humans, but others support the idea that they are in their germinal state. Changes in rats’ lacrimal glands and in Harderian glands can serve as models for simulating diseases of human lacrimal apparatus. This modeling requires in-depth study of spatial organization of the system of excretory ducts and their terminal excretory ducts in syntopic unity with hemomicrocirculatory bed of lacrimal glands in lab rats and humans. It is also important to carry out comparative morphological and stereomorphological analysis of data received, and to describe the peculiarities of the structure of lacrimal glands in lab rats and person.

A new species of Ituglanis Costa Bockmann, 1993 (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) from Rio Ribeira de Iguape and upper Rio Tietê basins, southeastern Brazil.

Ituglanis amphipotamus, new species, is distinguished from all congeners by the combination of the following characters: anterior cranial fontanel present, i,5 pectoral-fin rays, nasal canal and antorbital segment of infraorbital canal absent, five or six pairs of ribs, 39 post-Weberian vertebrae. It can be further distinguished from the sympatric I. proops by the size of the interopercular patch of odontodes. The new species is described from the Rio Ribeira de Iguape and the upper Rio Tietê basins in the southeastern region of Brazil. Comments on the biogeography of the new taxa and putative relationships with its congeners are presented. [Zoobank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:AC2F3365-92C0-4444-AC89-9546365158EC].

Review of the clingfish genus Kopua (Gobiesocidae: Trachelochisminae) in Japan, with description of a new species

A taxonomic review of the clingfish genus Kopua (Gobiesocidae: Trachelochisminae) in Japan recognizes three species: K. japonica Moore, Hutchins and Okamoto 2012, K. vermiculata Shinohara and Katayama 2015 and K. yoko sp. nov. Kopua japonica and K. vermiculata are redescribed with revised diagnoses on the basis of 20 specimens (10.4–30.4 mm standard length; SL) and the holotype, respectively. Kopua japonica is similar to K. vermiculata in head sensory pore characters (normally single nasal and postocular canal pores). However, the former differs distinctly from the latter as follows: 6–8 (modally 7) gill rakers (vs. 4 or 6); 31–33 (33) vertebrae (vs. 35); anus slightly closer to posterior margin of disc than to anal-fin origin (vs. much closer to posterior margin of disc); snout length 5.3–8.7 (mean 7.0) % SL (vs. 9.2 % SL); disc length 21.2–24.0 (22.8) % SL (vs. 18.8 % SL); pre-dorsal- and anal-fin lengths 72.9–78.4 (75.2) and 78.1–82.8 (80.1) % SL, respectively (vs. 67.5 and 73.6 % SL); and two stripes on cheek (vs. a triangular blotch). Kopua yoko sp. nov., based on 14 specimens (17.7–28.8 mm SL) from the Pacific coast of southern Japan, Sea of Japan and the East China Sea, is characterized by the following combination of characters: 6 or 7 (modally 6) dorsal-fin rays; 4–6 (5) anal-fin rays; 21 or 22 (21) pectoral-fin rays; 4–6 (5 or 6) gill rakers; 31–33 (31) vertebrae; a single (rarely two) nasal canal pores; two lacrimal and preopercular canal pores; snout length 6.5–7.9 (mean 7.1) % SL; gill opening depth 5.8–7.1 (6.5) % SL; least interorbital width 2.0–3.7 (2.6) % SL; disc length 20.3–25.0 (23.1) % SL, disc region D without flattened papillae; caudal-peduncle depth 8.1–10.2 (9.2) % SL; anus slightly closer to posterior margin of disc than to anal-fin origin; pre-dorsal- and anal-fin lengths 71.6–77.1 (73.9) and 77.0–83.7 (80.4) % SL, respectively; post-dorsal-caudal length 12.6–15.0 (13.8) % SL; arch-shaped blotches on lateral aspect of body; and two reddish-orange stripes on cheek. Morphological changes with growth in K. japonica and K. yoko sp. nov. are also described.

Morphometric Measurements of Bony Nasolacrimal Canal in Children.

Morphology and dimensions of the bony nasolacrimal canal duct (BNLD) as a key factor in the development of primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. We aimed to obtain detailed morphometric analysis of BNLD in children without nasolacrimal duct pathology by using computed tomography and provide standard measurements by means of age which could be utilized in planning management or in invasive interventions. Picture Archiving Communication Systems database of our hospital's radiology department was searched for this retrospective study. Subjects were under 18 years of age who had undergone a paranasal, maxillofacial, or temporal bone high-resolution computed tomography scan in last 2 years with various indications. Those with fractures including facial bones and/or nasolacrimal canal or history of nasolacrimal duct pathology were excluded from the study. We measured the diameter, angle, and surface area of BNLD. A total number of 136 subjects (86 boys, 50 girls) were included in the study. The average age was 7.3 ± 5.1 years. We documented statistically significantly positive correlation between all measured diameters and ages (P < 0.001), whereas there was a negative association between mean angle and age (P < 0.001). Mean angle is defined as the angle between BNLD and nasal floor. The surface area of BNLD was found to be significantly increasing depending on age (P < 0.001). However, we could not find any significant association between gender and measured parameters (P > 0.050). Our study demonstrated that development of BNLD continues during childhood, regardless of gender.

Tomographic and anatomical study of the orbit and nasolacrimal duct in capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris-Linnaeus, 1766).

The objective of this study was to describe the reference values of cranial measurements of capybaras, correlating the ocular orbit with the nasolacrimal duct. The documentation of its results can contribute to standardizing characteristics of anatomical normality and favouring the correct diagnosis and treatment of changes. The capybara carcasses, maintained by freezing, were distributed in two groups (G) designated GA (n=12) adult animals (A) and GY (n=13) for young animals (Y). All subjects underwent dacryocystography examination by computed tomography (CT) and cranial measurements. Descriptive analyses of cranial and nasolacrimal duct measurements and statistical analysis of the Pearson correlation with the variable weight were performed. In GA, there was no correlation between the nasolacrimal and cranial duct measurements. However, in the GY, a correlation was verified with facial length (r=.6233), facial width (r=.5771), cranial height (r=.6981), cranial length (r=.7116), total right length (r=.7517) and left length (r=.7999). Thus, in the young animals, cranial length measurements were strongly correlated with nasolacrimal duct lengths. However, this biological behaviour was not observed in adults, demonstrating stability in development. The capybara's ocular orbit was found to be circular and incomplete, with developed zygomatic process of the maxilla. CT dacryocystography is indicated to evaluate the nasolacrimal canal pathway in capybaras, emphasizing the importance of normal anatomical study to aid in treating animals affected by diseases.

New cranial material ofDiscosauriscus pulcherrimus(Seymouriamorpha, Discosauriscidae) from the Lower Permian of the Boskovice Basin (Czech Republic)

ABSTRACTWe describe four newly discovered and three-dimensionally preserved specimens of the discosauriscid seymouriamorphDiscosauriscus pulcherrimusfrom the Lower Permian lacustrine sediments of the Boskovice Basin (Czech Republic). Their excellent preservation revealed new cranial features that allowed us to present a new skull reconstruction of middle-sized specimens of this tetrapod. The new features include: (1) the sculpturing of the anterior wedge-like process of the parasphenoid consisting of irregular ridges, grooves, low elevations and pits; and (2) the presence of a pair of semicircular crests on the posterodorsal surface of the parasphenoidal plate. We discuss the intraspecific variability of several characters, such as the type of dermal cranial ornamentation, and the morphology of the sensory grooves, nasolacrimal canal, dentition on the pterygoids and parasphenoid. The lengths of the skulls of four new specimens range from about 18 to 31mm and represent larval ontogenetic stages.