Evaluation of Nasolacrimal Canal Morphometric Features in Unilateral Cleft Palate Patients: A CBCT Study
نویسندگان
1 Pediatric Dentistry Department, School of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2 Post graduated student of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Department, School of Dentistry, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3 Orthodontics Department of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran,
4 Associate Professor, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Department, School of Dentistry, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
doi
10.22037/jds.v43i4.47331چکیده
Objective(s): The morphology and size of the nasolacrimal duct play essential roles in development of primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO), dacryocystitis, and Epiphora, in cleft palate patients. Furthermore, the treatment approaches for nasolacrimal duct obstruction require precise determination of the duct dimensions to select the most suitable treatment. The purpose of the present study was to assess the dimensions of the nasolacrimal duct in unilateral cleft palate patients through cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: In this observational-analytic study, 37 CBCT images of individuals with unilateral cleft were assessed. Nasolacrimal canal dimensions were measured at three segments; The entrance (proximal), narrowest part, and opening into the inferior meatus (distal) on the affected and unaffected sides. The length and angulation of the canal with the nasal floor were also assessed using OnDemand3D software. T-test and Shapiro-Wilk test were used for statistical data analysis at p<0.05. Results: The anterior-posterior dimension of the nasolacrimal canal in the distal segment was significantly lower on the affected side (p < 0.001). The mediolateral dimensions at the distal and narrowest segments were significantly lower on the affected side than the unaffected side (p = 0.03 and p = 0.04, respectively). No significant differences were observed between the surface area, length, or angulation of the nasolacrimal canal relative to the nasal floor on either sides (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The narrowest and distal segments of the nasolacrimal canal in unilateral cleft palate patients were significantly narrower compared to the unaffected side. This suggests an increased likelihood of conditions such as PANDO, dacryocystitis, epiphora, and other complications associated with a constricted duct in these individuals. However, the surface area, length, and angulation of the nasolacrimal canal in relation to the nasal floor were not influenced by the presence of a cleft palate.
