Dacryoliths in a series of dacryocystorhinostomies: histologic and chemical analysis.

PURPOSE: To present the clinical and intraoperative characteristics of dacryolith cases, to present their histologic and chemical analysis, and to relate the findings with the probable causes of their formation in a series of dacryocystorhinostomies performed in northern Greece. METHODS: In a series of 242 dacryocystorhinostomies in patients with chronic dacryocystitis, dacryoliths large enough to perform an accurate chemical analysis and a light histologic examination were found in five cases. The chemical analysis was based on atomic absorption spectrophotometry and atomic emission spectrometry. RESULTS: These five cases concerned relatively young patients who presented symptoms of short duration as compared to the other dacryocystorhinostomy cases. In three of them, irregularities of the lacrimal sac wall were observed. The final postoperative results were satisfactory. The histologic examination revealed acellular amorphous organic material and limited areas with characteristics of calcium salt depositions. The chemical analysis showed mainly organic and minimal inorganic material. CONCLUSIONS: The irregularities of the lacrimal sac wall and the consequent flow disorders within the sac and the histologic and chemical analysis of the dacryoliths provide evidence for etiologic consideration.

Dacryoliths in chronic dacryocystitis and their composition (spectrophotometric analysis).

PURPOSE: To present the findings from histological and chemical analysis of large dacryoliths and correlate them with previous reports. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dacryoliths were found in 8% of 216 dacryocystorhinostomy operations. In two cases with mild chronic dacryocystitis, large dacryoliths were extracted. The first case was a 42-year-old male with three dacryoliths in a lacrimal sac, presenting diverticulum-like formations, the second was a 22-year-old woman with one dacryolith at the entrance of the nasolacrimal duct. Chemical analysis was based on atomic absorption spectrophotometry (F.AAS) and on atomic emission spectrometry (AES). Light histological examination was also done. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: The findings were the same in both cases. Histological examination revealed amorphous organic material, and limited areas with the characteristics of calcium salt depositions. Chemical analysis showed mainly organic material with only minimal inorganic material. Explanations are offered about the formation of these dacryoliths.

Alcuronium and intraocular pressure.

The effects of alcuronium on intraocular pressure (IOP) was studied in 20 patients undergoing elective ophthalmic surgery. IOP was measured with the Schiötz indentation tonometer before induction, after induction, and after tracheal intubation. Combined administration of a standardized sleep dose of thiopental (5 mg/kg) and alcuronium (0.25-0.30 mg/kg) significantly (P less than 0.001) decreased IOP from control values of 15.3 +/- 2.33 mm Hg (mean +/- SD) to 8.91 +/- 2.15 mm Hg. Intubation of the trachea significantly (P less than 0.001) increased IOP to 12.58 +/- 3.05 mm Hg, a level still significantly (P less than 0.001) lower than control values.