Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2023 Jun;66(6):381-386. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2022.00395.

A Radiological Study on the Location of Nasolacrimal Duct in Koreans

• Koo HB
• Son SJ
• Lee JH

• KMID: 2543070
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2022.00395

Abstract

Background and Objectives
The prelacrimal recess (PA) approach can be used to remove PA lesions while preserving the nasolacrimal duct (NLD). In this regard, it is important to understand the anatomical structure of NLD in relation to the lateral nasal wall. The purpose of this study was to measure NLD and the surrounding structure using the sinus CT.
Subjects and Method
We used the coronal, axial, and sagittal images to measure the following areas: a distance (M1) between nostril and the most anterior part of the lower end of NLD (NLD-LE); a vertical distance (M2) between the attachment line of inferior turbinate (IT) to lateral wall and the NLD-LE; a distance (M3) between the NLD-LE and nasal cavity floor (NF); a diameter (M4) of the NLD-LE; and an angle (M5) between NF and the extended line of the diameter of the NLD-LE.
Results
The right side of M1 was 26.45±3.69 mm and the left was 25.95±3.77 mm. The right side of M2 was 1.36±2.07 mm and the left was 0.98±1.86 mm. The right side of M3 was 17.39±3.46 mm and the left was 17.52±3.15 mm. The right side of M4 was 7.89±1.66 mm and the left was 7.96±1.60 mm. The right side of M5 was 46.69°±9.97° and the left was 45.04°± 10.25°.
Conclusion
In Korean adults, on the average, the NLD-LE was present at 25 mm and 45° from the nasal entrance, 17 mm above the NF, and the diameter of NLD-LE was 8 mm. The NLD-LE is adjacent to the lateral wall attachment of the IT, but there may be individual differences.

Keyword

Computed tomography; Inferior turbinate; Nasolacrimal duct; Prelacrimal recess; Radiological measurement