Hanyang Med Rev.  2016 Aug;36(3):186-191. 10.7599/hmr.2016.36.3.186.

Current Trends in the Management of Thyroid Ophthalmopathy

• Kang S
• Sa HS

• KMID: 2350370
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7599/hmr.2016.36.3.186

Abstract

Thyroid ophthalmopathy (TO) is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder involving the orbit characterized by inflammation and swelling of the extraocular muscles and an increase in orbital fat and connective tissue. Despite extensive research, TO continues to be a difficult condition for the patient to cope with and for the clinician to treat. Current treatments consist of systemic immunosuppression, orbital irradiation, and surgery. It is promising for patient refractory to conventional therapy that pathogenesis of TO at molecular level which advance development of new therapies targeting cellular immunity are now better understood. Future therapies targeting immune system or specific molecules are under investigation and show promise for the future. This review will describe current trends in the management of TO, from well-established therapies such as glucocorticoids, orbital irradiation and orbital decompression to more innovative therapies targeting immune system or specific molecules involved in TO pathogenesis.

Keyword

Thyroid Ophthalmopathy; Corticosteroids; Orbital Radiation Therapy; Orbital Decompression

MeSH Terms

Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Connective Tissue
Decompression
Glucocorticoids
Humans
Immune System
Immunity, Cellular
Immunosuppression
Inflammation
Muscles
Orbit
Therapies, Investigational
Thyroid Gland*
Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Glucocorticoids

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Management algorithm for thyroid ophthalmopathy.

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