Computed Tomographic Dimensions of the Lacrimal Gland in the Normal Nigerian Orbits

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine the normal range of lacrimal gland dimensions in healthy orbits of Nigerian subjects from brain CT. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients who had visited the Jos University Teaching Hospital and had undergone brain computed tomographic scan. One hundred twenty seven Nigerians (82 men and 45 women) who were 18 years and above without orbital disease were included. Patients with trauma to the orbits or any known lacrimal gland disease were excluded. The length and width of the lacrimal gland were measured in axial and coronal sections using the largest image. The primary outcome was a descriptive analysis of the distribution of dimensions in normal orbits. The results were analyzed and identified associations with age, sex, and laterality and compared the results with previous studies carried out elsewhere. RESULTS: The mean lacrimal gland axial length in the right orbits was 14.6 mm (10.9 mm and 18.3 mm) and 14.5 mm in the left orbits (10.3 mm and 18.3 mm). Coronal length averaged 20.7 mm in right eyes (13.9 mm and 21.8 mm) and 20.8 mm in left eyes (12.8 mm and 20.8 mm). The axial width was 4.1mm in the right orbit and 4.1mm in the left orbit. The coronal width was 2.9mm in the right orbit and 3.0mm in the left orbit. A statistically significant inverse linear relationships was observed in both orbits between gland size and age in all dimensions, with the exception of coronal width. No statistically significant difference in all dimensions was found in both orbits between genders. CONCLUSION: Lacrimal gland size decreases with age, and no gender difference exists. This range can aid in differentiating diseased and non-diseased lacrimal glands, especially when correlated with physical examination. This may be useful in clinical trials that involve lacrimal gland size.