Computed Tomographic Dimensions of the Normal Lacrimal Gland in Adult Thai Population: Any Differences from other Ethnicities?

Abstract

Objective: To establish diameters of normal lacrimal gland (LG) on computed tomography (CT) in the Thai population and to compare the results with other ethnicities.

Methods: There were 616 CT images of LGs (308 patients). The maximal dimension of length and width of LGs in Thai adults were measured on axial and coronal orbital CT in patients who were free of orbital disorders. The LG sizes were summarized by using descriptive statistics and analyzed in terms of age, gender and laterality. Comparison between Thai LGs size and other ethnicities from previous literatures were performed.

Results: The mean axial lengths in the right and left LG were 12.61 ± 3.04 mm and 12.31 ± 2.94 mm. Coronal lengths of the right and left LG were 13.38 ± 3.60 mm and 13.51 ± 3.70 mm. Axial widths in the right and left LG averaged 4.30 ± 2.50 mm and 4.25 ± 1.26 mm. Coronal widths in the right and left LG were 4.03 ± 1.42 mm and 4.11 ± 2.40 mm. There was no significant difference in LG size between both sides and genders except for AL which was significantly longer in males. A significant inverse linear relationship was observed between gland size and age. Thai LGs were significantly shorter to those of other ethnicities in some dimensions.

Conclusions: Diameters of normal LGs in the adult Thai population showed significantly different from those of other ethnicities in some dimensions. Knowledge of the normal LG dimensions for a given patient’s ethnicity could be helpful in diagnosis.