MR Imaging Investigation of Normal Human Lacrimal Gland

Objective To observe MR imaging findings of normal human lacrimal gland,and to investigate age-related and gender-dependent changes in size and position of the lacrimal gland.Materials and Methods MR imaging was performed in 75 normal subjects to observe the appearances of lacrimal gland in different sequences and to measure the area of the lacrimal gland and the area ratio of the part anterior to the orbital rim(Sr).Results On T2WI the lacrimal gland showed isointensity signal in 64 and hyperintensity signal in 11 subjects with respect to the cerebral white matter. On T1WI the lacrimal gland showed isointensity signal. On T1WI+FS the lacrimal gland showed hyperintensity signal. There was no significant difference in the area of the lacrimal gland between sides in men. But in women,the area of the right lacrimal gland was larger than that of left lacrimal. There was no significant difference in the area of the lacrimal gland between gender. There was no significant difference in the Sr of the lacrimal gland between sides in men. But in women,the Sr of the left side lacrimal gland was larger than that of right side. The Sr showed an age-related increase in both men and women.Conclusion Both axial and coronal planes of MR imaging could demonstrate clearly the lacrimal gland. The intensity of the lacrimal gland was similar to the cerebral white matter. Non-enhanced T1WI+FS sequence could show the configuration,structure,location,and adjacent tissues of the lacrimal gland clearly. Bilateral lacrimal glands were not symmetrical exactly. Lacrimal gland may have anterior,inferior and lateral displacement with age increased.