Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging analysis of the lacrimal gland in sickle cell disease.

OBJECTIVES: Clinical manifestations of sickle cell disease (SCD) can affect the orbit with prior reports describing changes in the lacrimal gland potentially related to chronic vaso-occlusion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate lacrimal gland volumes and quantifiable shifts in MR-relaxation times in patients with SCD.

METHODS: Thirteen patients with SCD and 12 age-matched control subjects underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the orbits with 1.5-T MRI. Lacrimal glands were segmented manually; and gland volumes, peak, and mean T1- and T2-relaxation times were obtained from histogram analysis.

RESULTS: In patients with SCD, significant peak and mean T2 shortening (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001) and increased gland volume (P = 0.008) were observed. Significant correlations were seen between gland volumes in the patients SCD and peak T1 and T2 values (r = 0.6, P = 0.017; r = 0.56; P = 0.031) as well as between gland volumes and mean T1 and T2 values (r = 0.54, P = 0.039; r = 0.57, P = 0.026).

CONCLUSION: Significant differences in MR relaxometry and lacrimal gland enlargement provide evidence of subclinical lacrimal gland pathology and chronic lacrimal gland changes patients with SCD.