What is Dysthyroid Ophthalmopathy?

Dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) is a sight-threatening complication of thyroid eye disease (TED), characterized by thyroid-related impairment of visual function, leading to permanent sight loss. To avoid blindness, prompt diagnosis and timely intervention are required.

What causes Graves ophthalmopathy?

Cause of Graves’ ophthalmopathy Graves’ ophthalmopathy results from a buildup of certain carbohydrates in the muscles and tissues behind the eyes — the cause of which also isn’t known. It appears that the same antibody that can cause thyroid dysfunction may also have an “attraction” to tissues surrounding the eyes.

What is a CAS score?

Clinical Activity Score (CAS) (amended by EUGOGO after Mourits et al.). One point is given for the presence of each of the parameters assessed. The sum of all points defines clinical activity: active ophthalmopathy if the score is above 3/7 at the first examination or above 4/10 in successive examinations.

How is Graves ophthalmopathy diagnosed?

HOW IS THE DIAGNOSIS MADE? If you have already been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, a doctor may diagnose Graves’ eye disease by examining your eyes and finding swelling and enlargement of the eye muscles. A computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the eye muscles may be helpful.

What are the stages of thyroid eye disease?

There are two phases of thyroid eye disease. The first phase is the inflammatory phase, which typically lasts six months to two years. The second phase is the stable phase when active inflammation is quiet.

Why does thyroid ophthalmopathy occur?

Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy is the most frequent extrathyroidal involvement of Graves’ disease but it sometimes occurs in euthyroid or hypothyroid patients. Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy is an autoimmune disorder, but its pathogenesis is not completely understood.

Is Graves Orbitopathy the same as thyroid eye disease?

Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) is also referred to as Graves’ orbitopathy, Graves’ ophthalmopathy, Graves’ eye disease, thyroid-associated orbitopathy, or thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy.

Is Graves Ophthalmopathy the same as Graves disease?

Graves’ eye disease, also called Graves’ Ophthalmopathy or Thyroid Eye disease, is a problem that usually develops in people with an overactive thyroid caused by Graves’ disease (See brochure on Graves’ disease).

Does Graves ophthalmopathy go away?

Graves’ ophthalmopathy may not go away on its own; however, its symptoms can be effectively managed with adequate treatment. Graves’ ophthalmopathy may not go away on its own. The prognosis of this condition is variable and largely depends on the severity of eye involvement.

What has been learned about dysthyroid ophthalmopathy since the original description?

Since the original description of dysthyroid ophthalmopathy, much has been learned about its etiology, pathology, course, and management. The subject is reviewed in depth and the author suggests explanations relating to some of the poorly understood aspects of the disorder. Full text is available as a scanned copy of the original print version.

What do we know about dysthyroid optic neuropathy?

Background: Dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) is a serious complication of Graves orbitopathy (GO) from optic nerve dysfunction that may result in permanent loss of vision. Purpose: This paper reviews the current knowledge of DON, including its pathogenesis and epidemiology, clinical and radiologic features, and management choices and outcomes.

What is the pathophysiology of thyroid optic neuropathy?

Introduction: Dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) is a severe manifestation of thyroid eye disease (TED) that can result in permanent vision loss. Management is complex, multidisciplinary, and involves medical and/or surgical therapies.

What is thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy?

INTRODUCTION Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is an ocular condition that frequently manifests with thyroid dysfunction, and is the most common extrathyroidal manifestation of Graves’ disease. Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease characterized by hyperthyroidism, diffuse goiter, ophthalmopathy, and in rare cases, dermopathy.