Graves' Orbitopathy

Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is part of an autoimmune systemic disease (prevalence of 0.5 - 2%) which is composed of hyperthyroidism, orbitopathy, dermopathy and acropachy. Stimulating antibodies against the TSH receptor plays the central pathogenetic role and high levels indicate the risk of a severe course of the disease. The main symproms of GO comprise soft tissue inflammation, proptosis impairment of ocular motility and lid retraction. Inflammatory reactions of orbital fibroblasts are responsible for the symptoms. To restrict damage, anti-inflammatory therapy (mainly i.v. systemic steroids, orbital irradiation) is indicated in moderate to severe active disease stages, and surgical orbital decompression is indicated in sight-threatening states. In mild GO selenium administration and otherwise a wait and see strategy is sufficient. In inactive disease stages surgery (orbital decompression, eye muscle surgery and lid surgery) is performed to improve appearance and function. Smoking increases the prevalence and severity of GO and reduces the efficiency of therapy. Restoring euthyroidism leads to an improvement of GO in about 60% of the patients.