The initial clinical characteristics of Graves' orbitopathy vary with age and sex

Understanding the clinical and molecular basis of thyroid orbitopathy: a review of recent evidence

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is an autoimmune orbital inflammatory disease which ranges from mild to severe. Tissue remodeling, fibrosis and fat proliferation cause changes in the orbital tissues which can affect esthetics and visual function. In its severe form, it is sight threatening, debilitating, and disfiguring and may lead to social stigma, the embarrassment about which has an impact on the quality of life of those affected and the family members. The pathogenesis of TED, which is influenced by genetic, immunological, and environmental factors, is complex and not fully elucidated. However, it remains unknown what factors determine the severity of the disease. Recent research has revealed a number of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of this disease. In this overview of TED, we focus on new insights and perspectives regarding biological agents that may provide a basis for new treatment modalities.

How Age Affects Graves' Orbitopathy-A Tertiary Center Study

PURPOSE

Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is an autoimmune disorder leading to inflammation, adipogenesis, and fibrosis. The severity of GO can vary widely among individuals, making it challenging to predict the natural course of the disease accurately, which is important for tailoring the treatment approach to the individual patient. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics, course, treatment, and prognosis of GO patients under 50 years with older patients.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of a random sample of 1000 patients in our GO database Essen (GODE) comprising 4260 patients at our tertiary referral center. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (≤50 years) and Group 2 (>50 years). Only patients with a complete data set were included in the further statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The results showed that younger patients (n = 484) presented significantly more often with mild GO (53% vs. 33%, p < 0.0001), while older patients (n = 448) were more likely to experience moderate-to-severe disease (44% vs. 64%, p < 0.0001). Older patients showed more severe strabismus, motility, and clinical activity scores (5.9 vs. 2.3 PD/310° vs. 330° both p < 0.0001, CAS: 2.1 vs. 1.7, p = 0.001). Proptosis and occurrence of dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) showed no significant difference between groups (both 3%). Multiple logistic regression revealed that the need for a second step of eye muscle surgery was most strongly associated with prior decompression (OR = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.1-0.2, p < 0.0001) followed by orbital irradiation and age. The model showed good fitness regarding the area under the curve (AUC = 0.83).

DISCUSSION

In conclusion, younger GO patients present with milder clinical features such as a lower rate of restrictive motility disorders and less pronounced inflammatory signs. Therefore, older patients tend to need more steroids, irradiation, and lid and eye muscle surgery. Still, the risk of DON and the necessity of secondary eye muscle surgery are not or only slightly associated with age, respectively.

Association of Patient Age and the Thyroid Eye Disease-Clinical Activity Score

PURPOSE

To investigate the association between age and clinical activity score (CAS) in patients with active, untreated thyroid eye disease.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of patients with active, untreated thyroid eye disease at a single institution between 2010 and 2020 whose ophthalmologic symptoms began no more than 9 months prior to the initial visit. Exclusion criteria included surgical or systemic thyroid eye disease treatment before or during the study period. Demographic and clinical data were collected for all patients, including a 7-point CAS at visit 1 (CAS1) and a 10-point score at visit 2 (CAS2). Patients were stratified by age: Group 1 (18-45), Group 2 (46-70), and Group 3 (71-85).

RESULTS

A total of 156 patients were included: mean age 51.7 ± 15.8 years, 79.5% female. CAS1 differed significantly across groups: 1.9 ± 1.0 (Group 1), 2.7 ± 1.4 (Group 2), and 2.2 ± 1.6 (Group 3), p = 0.005. Findings were similar for CAS2: 2.2 ± 1.4 (Group 1), 3.0 ± 1.8 (Group 2), and 2.8 ± 1.9 (Group 3), p = 0.030. Post hoc analysis showed a statistically significant difference between Groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.004, visit 1; p = 0.025, visit 2) but not between other pairs. Patients with CAS1 of 0-3 (n = 129) were younger on average than those with CAS1 4-7 (n = 27): 50.4 ± 16.2 versus 58.2 ± 12.8 years (p = 0.009). Conjunctival redness (p = 0.019) and chemosis (p ≤ 0.001) were more common in older patients at both visits.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients aged 46-70 years with active, untreated thyroid eye disease had significantly higher CAS1 and CAS2 than younger patients in this study, largely driven by differences in conjunctival redness and chemosis.

Dysthyroid Optic Neuropathy

PURPOSE

Dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) is a sight-threatening complication of thyroid eye disease (TED). This review provides an overview of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and current therapeutic options for DON.

METHODS

A literature review.

RESULTS

DON occurs in about 5% to 8% of TED patients. Compression of the optic nerve at the apex is the most widely accepted pathogenic mechanism. Excessive stretching of the nerve might play a role in a minority of cases. Increasing age, male gender, smoking, and diabetes mellitus have been identified as risk factors. Diagnosis of DON is based on a combination of ≥2 clinical findings, including decreased visual acuity, decreased color vision, relative afferent pupillary defect, visual field defects, or optic disc edema. Orbital imaging supports the diagnosis by confirming apical crowding or optic nerve stretching. DON should be promptly treated with high-dose intravenous glucocorticoids. Decompression surgery should be performed, but the response is incomplete. Radiotherapy might play a role in the prevention of DON development and may delay or avoid the need for surgery. The advent of new biologic-targeted agents provides an exciting new array of therapeutic options, though more research is needed to clarify the role of these medications in the management of DON.

CONCLUSIONS

Even with appropriate management, DON can result in irreversible loss of visual function. Prompt diagnosis and management are pivotal and require a multidisciplinary approach. Methylprednisolone infusions still represent first-line therapy, and surgical decompression is performed in cases of treatment failure. Biologics may play a role in the future.

The phenotype of Graves' orbitopathy is associated with thyrotropin receptor antibody levels

PURPOSE

Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is a specific inflammatory disorder of the orbit characterized by a highly heterogeneous clinical phenotype. The role of thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TSH-R-Ab) has been widely researched, however there is still no evidence that these antibodies have a direct pathogenic role in this pathology. The aim of this study was to examine their relation to the individual clinical features of GO.

METHODS

Ninety-one consecutive patients with GO were recruited. Total antibody concentration (TSH-R binding inhibitory immunoglobulins, TBII) and their functional activity (stimulating TSH-R-Ab, TSAb) were measured using binding immunoassay and cell-based bioassay, respectively.

RESULTS

Both TSAb and TBII levels were significantly associated to the clinical parameters of GO activity. TSAb was a more sensitive serological marker compared to TBII pertaining to eyelid retraction and edema, proptosis, extra-orbital muscle disorders, diplopia, irritable eye symptoms, and photophobia. TSAb, but not TBII, was a significant predictive marker of conjunctival redness, chemosis, caruncle/plica inflammation, eye irritation, and orbital pain, (odds ratio: 3.096, p = 0.016; 5.833, p = 0.009; 6.443, p = 0.020; 3.167, p = 0.045; 2.893, p = 0.032; versus 2.187, p = 0.093; 2.775, p = 0.081; 3.824, p = 0.055; 0.952, p = 0.930; 2.226, p = 0.099, respectively). Neither TSAb nor TBII correlated with the level of proptosis (ρ = 0.259, p = 0.090, and ρ = 0.254, p = 0.104, respectively), however rising TSAb levels were strongly associated to the level of proptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

TSH-R-Ab were significantly associated with GO's phenotype. Especially TSAb, as a sensitive and predictive serological biomarker, can improve diagnosis and management of GO.

Sex-specific risk factors associated with graves' orbitopathy in Korean patients with newly diagnosed graves' disease

OBJECTIVE

To assess sex-specific risk factors for Graves' orbitopathy (GO) in newly diagnosed Graves' disease (GD) patients.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the National Health Insurance Service's sample database, which consisted of 1,137,861 subjects from 2002 to 2019. The international classification of disease-10 codes was used to identify those who developed GD (E05) and GO (H062). A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the effect of risk factors on GO development.

RESULTS

Among 2145 male and 5047 female GD patients, GO occurred in 134 men (6.2%) and 293 women (5.8%). A multivariable Cox regression model revealed that GO development was significantly associated with younger age (HR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.73-0.98), low income (HR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.35-0.86), and heavy drinking (HR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.10-2.90) in men, and with younger age (HR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.81-0.98), lower body mass index (HR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.33-0.90), high total cholesterol (HR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01-1.06), hyperlipidaemia (HR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.02-1.85), and lower statin dose (HR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.22-0.62) in women. There was no association between smoking and GO development in both men and women.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk factors for GO development were sex-dependent. These results show the need for more sophisticated attention and support considering sex characteristics in GO surveillance.

Graves' Orbitopathy Models: Valuable Tools for Exploring Pathogenesis and Treatment

Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is the most common extrathyroidal complication of Graves' disease (GD) and severely affects quality of life. However, its pathogenesis is still poorly understood, and therapeutic options are limited. Animal models are important tools for preclinical research. The animals in some previous models only exhibited symptoms of hyperthyroidism without ocular lesions. With the improvements achieved in modeling methods, some progressive animal models have been established. Immunization of mice with A subunit of the human thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) by either adenovirus or plasmid (with electroporation) is widely used and convincing. These models are successful to identify that the gut microbiota influences the occurrence and severity of GD and GO, and sex-related risk factors may be key contributors to the female bias in the occurrence of GO rather than sex itself. Some data provide insight that macrophages and CD8+ T cells may play an important pathogenic role in the early stage of GO. Our team also replicated the time window from GD onset to GO onset and identified a group of CD4+ cytotoxic T cells. In therapeutic exploration, TSHR derived peptides, fingolimod, and rapamycin offer new potential options. Further clinical trials are needed to investigate these drugs. With the increasing use of these animal models and more in-depth studies of the new findings, scientists will gain a clearer understanding of the pathogenesis of GO and identify more treatments for patients.

Thyroid Eye Disease as Initial Manifestation of Graves' Disease Following Viral Vector SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature

COVID-19, a contagious disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, emerged in 2019 and quickly became a pandemic, infecting more than 700 million people worldwide. The disease incidence, morbidity and mortality rates have started to decline since the development of effective vaccines against the virus and the widespread immunization of the population. SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are associated with minor local or systemic adverse reactions, while serious adverse effects are rare. Thyroid-related disorders have been reported after vaccination for COVID-19, and Graves' disease (GD) is the second most common amongst them. Thyroid eye disease (TED), an extrathyroidal manifestation of GD, is rarely observed post-COVID-19 vaccination. All TED cases followed mRNA-based vaccinations, but two new onset mild TED cases post-viral vector vaccine (ChAdox1nCoV-19) have also been reported. We report the case of a 63-year-old woman who presented with new onset hyperthyroidism and moderate-to-severe and active TED 10 days after she received the first dose of a viral vector vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. This is the first case of moderate-to-severe TED after such a vaccine. Our patient was initially treated with intravenous glucocorticoids, and subsequently with intravenous rituximab, due to no response. The disease was rendered inactive after rituximab, but constant diplopia persisted, and the patient was referred for rehabilitative surgery.

Thyroid Eye Disease and its Vision-Threatening Manifestations in the Academy IRIS Registry: 2014-2018

PURPOSE

To evaluate prevalence of thyroid eye disease (TED) and associated factors in the American Academy of Ophthalmology IRISⓇ Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional analysis of the IRIS Registry.

METHODS

IRIS Registry patients (18-90 years old) were classified as TED (ICD-9: 242.00, ICD-10: E05.00 on ≥2 visits) or non-TED cases, and prevalence was estimated. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) were estimated using logistic regression.

RESULTS

41,211 TED patients were identified. TED prevalence was 0.09%, showed a unimodal age distribution (highest prevalence in ages 50-59 years (y) (0.12%)), higher rates in females than males (0.12% vs. 0.04%) and in non-Hispanics than Hispanics (0.10% vs. 0.05%). Prevalence differed by race (from 0.08% in Asians to 0.12% in Black/African-Americans), with varying peak ages of prevalence. Factors associated with TED in multivariate analysis included age: ((18-<30y (reference), 30-39y: OR (95%CI) 2.2 (2.0, 2.4), 40-49y: 2.9 (2.7,3.1), 50-59y: 3.3 (3.1, 3. 5), 60-69y: 2.7 (2.54, 2.85), 70+: 1.5 (1.46, 1.64)); female sex vs male (reference), 3.5 (3.4,3.6), race: White (reference), Blacks: 1.1 (1.1,1.2), Asian: 0.9 (0.8,0.9), Hispanic ethnicity vs not Hispanic (reference), 0.68 (0.6,0.7), smoking status: (never (ref), former: 1.64 (1.6,1.7), current 2.16: (2.1,2.2)) and Type 1 diabetes (yes vs no (reference): 1.87 (1.8, 1.9).

CONCLUSIONS

This epidemiologic profile of TED includes new observations such as a unimodal age distribution and racial variation in prevalence. Associations with female sex, smoking, and Type 1 diabetes are consistent with prior reports. These findings raise novel questions about TED in different populations.

Neural network application for assessing thyroid-associated orbitopathy activity using orbital computed tomography

This study aimed to propose a neural network (NN)-based method to evaluate thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO) patient activity using orbital computed tomography (CT). Orbital CT scans were obtained from 144 active and 288 inactive TAO patients. These CT scans were preprocessed by selecting eleven slices from axial, coronal, and sagittal planes and segmenting the region of interest. We devised an NN employing information extracted from 13 pipelines to assess these slices and clinical patient age and sex data for TAO activity evaluation. The proposed NN's performance in evaluating active and inactive TAO patients achieved a 0.871 area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC), 0.786 sensitivity, and 0.779 specificity values. In contrast, the comparison models CSPDenseNet and ConvNeXt were significantly inferior to the proposed model, with 0.819 (p = 0.029) and 0.774 (p = 0.04) AUROC values, respectively. Ablation studies based on the Sequential Forward Selection algorithm identified vital information for optimal performance and evidenced that NNs performed best with three to five active pipelines. This study establishes a promising TAO activity diagnosing tool with further validation.

A comparison between bilateral and unilateral thyroid eye disease

PURPOSE

To compare characteristics of unilateral vs. bilateral thyroid eye disease (TED).

METHODS

This retrospective analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with TED who were evaluated at an academic referral center over a 6-year period. We compared demographics, activity (clinical activity score) and severity (EUGOGO classification) of TED, thyroid disease duration, TED duration, the time interval between thyroid and eye involvement, thyroid function status, and clinical signs between bilateral and unilateral TED.

RESULTS

Three hundred eighty-three patients including 213 females (55.6%), who had a mean age of 40.23 ± 13.72 years, were enrolled. Active TED was seen in 8.8% of bilateral and none of unilateral cases (P = 0.04). Bilateral TED patients had more severe disease (P = 0.001). The distribution of hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and euthyroidism was significantly different between unilateral and bilateral groups (P = 0.001). Abnormal ocular motility was present in 26.3% versus 2.3% of bilateral and unilateral ones, respectively (P = 0.001). Proptosis was more prevalent in bilateral than unilateral cases (P = 0.001). We did not observe any statistically significant difference between the two groups in others variables.

CONCLUSION

Bilateral TED patients present with more severity, activity, movement abnormality, proptosis, and hyperthyroidism.

Application of an Interpretable Machine Learning for Estimating Severity of Graves’ Orbitopathy Based on Initial Finding

(1) Background: We constructed scores for moderate-to-severe and muscle-predominant types of Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) risk prediction based on initial ophthalmic findings. (2) Methods: 400 patients diagnosed with GO and followed up at both endocrinology and ophthalmology clinics with at least 6 months of follow-up. The Score for Moderate-to-Severe type of GO risk Prediction (SMSGOP) and the Score for Muscle-predominant type of GO risk Prediction (SMGOP) were constructed using the machine learning-based automatic clinical score generation algorithm. (3) Results: 55.3% were classified as mild type and 44.8% were classified as moderate-to-severe type. In the moderate-to-severe type group, 32.3% and 12.5% were classified as fat-predominant and muscle-predominant type, respectively. SMSGOP included age, central diplopia, thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin, modified NOSPECS classification, clinical activity score and ratio of the inferior rectus muscle cross-sectional area to total orbit in initial examination. SMGOP included age, central diplopia, amount of eye deviation, serum FT4 level and the interval between diagnosis of GD and GO in initial examination. Scores ≥46 and ≥49 had predictive value, respectively. (4) Conclusions: This is the first study to analyze factors in initial findings that can predict the severity of GO and to construct scores for risk prediction for Korean. We set the predictive scores using initial findings.

Graves' Eye Disease: Clinical and Radiological Diagnosis

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder in which hyperthyroidism results in various systematic symptoms, with about 30% of patients presenting with Graves' eye disease (GED). The majority of patients with GED develop mild symptoms, including eyelid retraction, exposure of the globe, superior rectus-levator muscle complex inflammation, and fat expansion, leading to exophthalmos. More severe cases can result in extraocular muscle enlargement, restricted ocular movement, eyelid and conjunctival edema, and compression of the optic nerve leading to compressive optic neuropathy (CON). GED severity can be classified using the Clinical Activity Score, European Group on Graves' Orbitopathy scale, NO SPECS Classification system, and VISA system. CT and MRI aid in the diagnosis of GED through the demonstration of orbital pathology. Several recent studies have shown that MRI findings correlate with disease severity and can be used to evaluate CON. Mild cases of GED can be self-limiting, and patients often recover spontaneously within 2-5 years. When medical treatment is required, immunomodulators or radiotherapy can be used to limit immunologic damage. Surgery may be needed to improve patient comfort, preserve the orbit, and prevent vision loss from optic nerve compression or breakdown of the cornea.

Management of Thyroid Eye Disease: A Consensus Statement by the American Thyroid Association and the European Thyroid Association

Thyroid eye disease (TED) remains challenging for clinicians to evaluate and manage. Novel therapies have recently emerged, and their specific roles are still being determined. Most patients with TED develop eye manifestations while being treated for hyperthyroidism and under the care of endocrinologists. Endocrinologists, therefore, have a key role in diagnosis, initial management, and selection of patients who require referral to specialist care. Given that the need for guidance to endocrinologists charged with meeting the needs of patients with TED transcends national borders, and to maximize an international exchange of knowledge and practices, the American Thyroid Association and European Thyroid Association joined forces to produce this consensus statement.

Predictive Model for Graves' Ophthalmopathy in Patients with New-Onset Graves' Disease

Background: The most prevalent extrathyroidal manifestation of Graves' disease (GD) is Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO). However, only few methods allow for predictions of GO occurrence or progression in patients with GD. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 1,074 patients with new-onset GD, and divided them into a derivation and a validation cohort based on the date of their GD diagnosis. We then separately analyzed clinical risk factors affecting the occurrence and progression of GO using multivariable regression analysis and created a predictive model based on the factors we identified as significant. Results: Of the 853 GD patients included in the derivation cohort, 101 (11.8%) developed GO. Those who developed GO were more likely to be smokers (25.7% vs. 8.5%, p < 0.001), were younger at the time of their GD diagnosis (35.0 years vs. 42.0 years, p < 0.001), more commonly had a family history of GD (27.7% vs. 17.2%, p = 0.015), and had higher thyrotropin-binding inhibitor immunoglobulin (TBII) levels at the time of their diagnosis (13.5 IU/L vs. 10.0 IU/L, p = 0.020) than those who did not develop GO. Of the 101 GO patients in the derivation cohort, after excluding 8 who initially had active and moderate-to-severe GO, 11 of the remaining 93 had progressed to more active or severe GO. GO patients with confirmed progression had a higher proportion of those older than 45 years (54.5% vs. 19.8%, p = 0.031), and they had a different initial clinical activity score distribution. The multivariable regression analysis identified age at GD diagnosis, sex, smoking history, family history of GD, total cholesterol level, and TBII level at the time of the diagnosis as significant risk factors of GO occurrence, and a predictive model including these risk factors was built to create a nomogram. Conclusions: The predictors of GO occurrence in patients with new-onset GD were female sex, positive smoking history, young age, family history of GD, high cholesterol level, and high TBII level. The predictive nomogram developed in this study may be useful in patient counseling and facilitating informed treatment decision-making.

Management of thyroid eye disease: a Consensus Statement by the American Thyroid Association and the European Thyroid Association

Thyroid eye disease (TED) remains challenging for clinicians to evaluate and manage. Novel therapies have recently emerged, and their specific roles are still being determined. Most patients with TED develop eye manifestations while being treated for hyperthyroidism and under the care of endocrinologists. Endocrinologists, therefore, have a key role in diagnosis, initial management, and selection of patients who require referral to specialist care. Given that the need for guidance to endocrinologists charged with meeting the needs of patients with TED transcends national borders, and to maximize an international exchange of knowledge and practices, the American Thyroid Association and European Thyroid Association joined forces to produce this Consensus Statement.

Differential effects of teprotumumab treatment based on fat-to-muscle ratio in patients with thyroid eye disease

PURPOSE

To characterize the distribution of fat-to-muscle ratio (FMR) across patients with thyroid eye disease (TED) and to assess the association between FMR and therapeutic response to teprotumumab.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of patients completing a full course of teprotumumab for TED between January 2020 and March 2022 at a single tertiary referral center. Patients without baseline orbital imaging were excluded. Quantitative analysis of FMR was performed by manual segmentation of patients' imaging using OsiriX software. The primary outcome measure was change in clinical measurement of proptosis. Linear regression modelled change in proptosis against FMR. Statistical significance was set at p < .05.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients (3 M:19F) were included with a mean age of 49.4 ± 15.5 years. The FMR ranged from 1.11 to 6.54, mean 3.15 ± 1.30. The data did not deviate from a normal distribution (Shapiro-Wilk test for normality, p = .18). Pre- and post-treatment average proptosis measurements were 21.72 ± 3.56 mm and 18.81 ± 3.07 mm, respectively. Univariable linear regression demonstrated a 0.78 ± 0.36 mm greater reduction in proptosis for every 1 unit decrease in FMR (p = .038).

CONCLUSIONS

Contrary to the traditional dichotomous characterization of TED into type 1 and type 2 phenotypes, orbital FMR may represent a continuum of disease manifestation, more closely following a normal rather than bimodal distribution. Furthermore, pre-treatment FMR is associated with response to teprotumumab; those with lower FMR experiencing a greater reduction in proptosis. This has implications for patient selection and counselling regarding the expected treatment outcome.

Evolution of asymmetric proptosis during the active phase of thyroid eye disease

PURPOSE

To assess the evolution of proptosis asymmetry during the active phase of bilateral thyroid eye disease (TED).

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on patients with bilateral, active TED. Patients were measured by a single observer, using Hertel exophthalmometry from the time of initial presentation, during the active phase of TED, to the stable phase, 24-months later. Asymmetric proptosis was defined as a >2 mm intra-orbital difference in Hertel measurements.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients were enrolled. Patients presented at a mean time of 1.1 ± 2.9 months following the onset of TED symptoms. Stability of TED was established at 15.7 ± 12.3 months. At initial presentation, 41% of patients demonstrated asymmetric proptosis. Upon reaching the stable phase, asymmetric proptosis persisted in only 22% of patients. A decline in the rate asymmetric proptosis was greatest within the first 3 months of the active phase.

CONCLUSIONS

Asymmetric proptosis is common in the setting of early active TED and decreases by 50% when the stable phase is reached. Therefore, diagnostic imaging is not routinely required to exclude alternative pathology in the cases of asymmetric TED. Perhaps more importantly, this finding supports the surgical paradigm of stable phase, graded orbital decompression, performed when the ultimate globe positions are achieved to avoid late postoperative asymmetry, resulting from the unanticipated evolution of proptosis when surgery is performed during the active phase of TED.

Management of patients with dysthyroid optic neuropathy treated with intravenous corticosteroids and/or orbital decompression surgery

Purpose

To assess the characteristics and long-term outcomes of adult patients with dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) who underwent orbital decompression surgery and/or received intravenous (IV) methylprednisolone.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of 98 eyes of 49 patients who were diagnosed and treated with bilateral DON between 2007 and 2018 at the Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the Medical University of Vienna.

Results

The mean follow-up period was 4.1 ± 2.7 years. The most common presenting symptoms were eyelid and periorbital swelling (45%) representing active inflammation. Upgaze restriction was the most common clinical finding (73%). At time of diagnosis, the mean clinical activity score was 4 ± 1/4 ± 1 (right/left eye, respectively). Sixty-three percent (31/49) of the patients were treated both with IV methylprednisolone and underwent orbital decompression surgery, 22% (11/49) were treated with IV methylprednisolone alone and 14% (7/49) underwent surgical decompression only. Seventy-one percent (30/42) of the patients underwent 3-wall decompression. The mean reduction of proptosis in patients treated with both IV methylprednisolone and orbital decompression surgery was 4/5 mm. Mean of reduction in proptosis in patients receiving IV methylprednisolone only was 1/0 mm and in patients with surgical decompression only was 5/5 mm. Mean VA was 0.1 ± 0.5/0.1 ± 0.5 logMAR at baseline and 0.05 ± 0.7/0.05 ± 0.7 at final follow-up. In 92% (45/49), VA was preserved or improved at final follow-up.

Conclusions

The majority of patients with DON were treated both with IV corticosteroids and 3-wall decompression surgery. Vision could be successfully preserved in most cases and reduction of proptosis was achieved, especially after orbital decompression surgery.

Topical anaesthesia in strabismus surgery for Graves' orbitopathy: a comparative study of 111 patients

PURPOSE

To evaluate the tolerability and usability of topical anaesthesia in single rectus muscle recession for strabismus caused by Graves' orbitopathy (GO). To compare the perioperative pain score and surgical outcome between GO patients and non-GO patients.

METHODS

A retrospective comparative study of consecutive single rectus muscle recession performed under topical anaesthesia was carried out. All patients scheduled for one-stage single rectus muscle recession under topical anaesthesia were included. Numerical visual analogue pain score scale (NVAS) points, rates of motor success (horizontal deviation < 8 prism diopters (PD) and vertical deviation ≤ 6 PD) and sensory success (no diplopia without prisms), complications and postoperative adjustment frequencies were compared between GO and non-GO patients.

RESULTS

A total of 111 patients were included. The mean perioperative pain scores were 2.3 (SD ± 1.3) in GO and 1.6 (SD ± 1.1) in non-GO patients (p = 0.06 adjusted for gender). The postoperative mean alignments in GO and non-GO patients were 2 versus 3 PD horizontally and 1 versus 1 PD vertically respectively. Both motor and sensory success rates were 98% in GO patients and 94% versus 93% in non-GO patients. Adjustments as a second procedure the day after surgery was performed in 10% of the GO patients and 15% of the non-GO patients. The oculocardiac reflex was not triggered in any of the GO patients.

CONCLUSION

Topical anaesthesia in single muscle recession for GO is safe, well-tolerated and gives comparable surgical outcomes to those achieved in non-GO patients.

Clinical profile of 80-year-old and older thyroid eye disease patients

PURPOSE

Thyroid eye disease (TED), an autoimmune orbital disorder, follows a time-of-onset bimodal peak: 40-44 and 60-64 years for women, 45-49 and 65-69 years for men. TED, however, can also commence in old age. The study's purpose was to evaluate TED in octo- and nonagenarians.

METHODS

Medical records of 19 ≥ 80 years geriatric patients at time of diagnosis were compared to 122 TED patients, aged 20-79. A second analysis was performed after subdividing the control group into two age groups, ≤ 40 ("young group," 16 patients) and 41-79 years ("middle-aged group," 106 patients).

RESULTS

The geriatric group's mean age was 84 years (80-94), 11 males and 8 females. Mean follow-up time was 16 months. Compared to the controls, the geriatric patients smoked less (p = 0.012), were more often hypothyroid (p = 0.019), and had concurrent myasthenia gravis (p = 0.02) at time of diagnosis. Diplopia was the most common presenting symptom among the elderly (p = 0.005) and proptosis among the controls, specifically the young group (p = 0.027). Bilateral signs were more common among seniors (p = 0.049). Optic neuropathy was diagnosed in 10% of the geriatric group (2/19) and 11% of middle-aged group (12/106), all being resolved after steroids or orbital decompression. Active disease (clinical activity score (CAS) score =  > 3) was more common among the middle-aged group (p = 0.024) while the geriatric patients tended towards higher TED severity grades. Orbital decompression and eyelid repositioning surgeries were more common among the middle-aged group. Strabismus surgeries were more common among seniors.

CONCLUSIONS

TED among octo- and nonagenarians has unique patterns, with different demographic features, more exposed to diplopia, hypothyroidism, association with myasthenia gravis, and bilateral involvement. Special attention should be given when medically managing this subgroup.

Insights into Current Management Strategies for Dysthyroid Optic Neuropathy: A Review

Dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) is a potentially sight-threatening eye disease associated with Graves’ orbitopathy (GO). DON is not common in GO patients, reportedly occurring in only about 5% of patients. The pathogenesis of severe DON is considered to involve both muscular nerve strangulation and impaired blood flow. There is some objective grading of physical examination findings and the severity of GO, including a clinical activity score (CAS) and EUropean Group On Graves’ Orbitopathy (EUGOGO), but no specialized protocol completely characterizes DON. Most clinicians have decided that the combination of clinical activity findings, including visual acuity, color vision, and central critical fusion frequency, and radiological findings, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can be used to diagnose DON. MRI has the most useful findings, with T2-weighted and fat-suppressed images using short-tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequences enabling detection of extraocular changes including muscle and/orbital fat tissue swelling and inflammation and, therefore, disease activity. The first-choice treatment for DON is intravenous administration of steroids, with or without radiotherapy. Unfortunately, refractoriness to this medical treatment may indicate the need for immediate orbital decompression within 2 weeks. Especially in the acute phase of DON, thyroid function is often unstable, and the surgeon must always assume the risk of general anesthesia and intra- and post-operative management. In addition, there are currently many possible therapeutic options, including molecular-targeted drugs. The early introduction and combination of these immunomodulators, including Janus kinase inhibitors and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor antibody (teprotumumab), may be effective for GO with DON. However, this is still under investigation, and the number of case reports is small. It is possible that these options could reduce systemic adverse events due to unfocused glucocorticoid administration. The pathophysiology of DON is not yet fully understood, and further studies of its treatment and long-term visual function prognosis are needed.

The Unlikely Suspect: A Case Report of New-Onset Hyperthyroidism Due to Graves' Disease in an 89-Year-Old Gentleman and Review of Literature

Thyroid dysfunction in the elderly commonly manifests as hypothyroidism. With advancing age, toxic nodules are the more common cause of hyperthyroidism as compared to Graves' disease. Due to the lack of classical symptoms of hyperthyroidism in the elderly, the diagnosis can often be delayed. Previously, an 82-year-old gentleman with oropharyngeal dysphagia due to Graves' disease was the oldest reported case with atypical symptoms. We report a case of an 89-year-old gentleman with no prior history of thyroid disease, who presented with non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms that ultimately led to the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism secondary to Graves' disease. We also review the available literature regarding the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management of hyperthyroidism and Graves' disease in the elderly.

Characteristics of Diabetic and Nondiabetic Patients With Thyroid Eye Disease in the United States: A Claims-Based Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is a debilitating autoimmune disease characterized by ocular and periorbital tissue inflammation, proptosis, and visual impairment. The known risk factors for TED include radioactive iodine therapy, female sex, and smoking. The risk factors for severe TED include hyperthyroidism, male sex, smoking, and diabetes; however, little is known about how diabetes mellitus (DM) influences TED. This claims-based analysis examined TED characteristics in patients with and without diabetes.

METHODS

Symphony database (2010-2015 U.S. claims) was mined for patients with ≥1 Graves' disease diagnosis code and ≥1 TED-associated eye code, including proptosis, strabismus, diplopia, lid retraction, exposure keratoconjunctivitis, and optic neuropathy (ON). DM status was determined based on type 1 or type 2 diabetes coding. Sight-threatening TED was defined as ≥1 ON or exposure keratoconjunctivitis code.

RESULTS

A total of 51 220 patients were identified. Of them, 2618 (5.1%) and 12 846 (25.1%) had type 1 and type 2 DM, respectively. Patients with and without DM had similar characteristics, but patients with DM were more often men (type 1: 30.3%, type 2: 28.7% vs no DM: 20.5%; both P < .001) and older at the first TED code. In patients with DM, strabismus (25.4%, 22.6% vs 19.9%) and diplopia (38.6%, 37.9% vs 29.9%) occurred more often but proptosis occurred less often (42.3%, 46.3% vs 58.5%; all P < .001). Sight-threatening TED occurred more often in patients with DM because of higher ON rates.

CONCLUSION

Patients with TED and DM may have more extraocular muscle involvement. Furthermore, the higher prevalence of severe TED stemmed from higher ON rates, possibly associated with diabetes-related vasculopathies. These hypothesis-generating data warrant further exploration.

Absent Bell's phenomenon in patients with thyroid eye disease

Background

To investigate the incidence of absent Bell’s phenomenon (BP) and the relationship between absent BP and inferior rectus muscle hypertrophy and other clinical features in patients with thyroid eye disease (TED).

Methods

A total of 104 patients who were first diagnosed with TED between January and December 2014 were included. Inferior rectus muscle area and associations with clinical features of TED and thyroid function test including thyroid specific antibodies were compared between patients with TED with and without BP. The volume of the inferior rectus muscle was calculated by adding up all the cross-sectional areas measured on sagittal CT images.

Results

Among the 104 patients, 14 had absent BP (13.5%), 12 with bilateral and two with unilateral. There was no significant difference in thyroid function test, presence of TSIs, exophthalmos, or volume of inferior rectus muscle measured in CT scans (P > 0.05). Incidence of diplopia, elevation limitation, and upper eyelid retraction were risk factors of absent BP in TED patients (by logistic regression analysis, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Inferior rectus muscle hypertrophy was not the cause of absent BP in TED patients. Fibrosis and tightening of the inferior rectus muscle, lower eyelid, and surrounding orbital tissues, rather than inferior rectus muscle hypertrophy, might be related to absent BP in TED patients.

Extrathyroidal Manifestations of Thyroid Disease: Graves Eye Disease

Graves disease is an autoimmune disorder caused by the breakdown of immune tolerance to thyroid antigens against the TSH receptor. In approximately 25% of patients, an inflammatory condition, Graves eye disease (GED), affects the orbital soft tissues. About 60% of patients develop mild symptoms including fat expansion and inflammation of the levator muscle complex with resultant proptosis, eyelid retraction, and exposure of the globe. The remaining patients experience enlargement of one or more of the extraocular muscles, leading to conjunctival and eyelid edema and congestion, restricted ocular movement with resultant diplopia, and optic nerve compression leading to compressive optic neuropathy.

Clinical profile of thyroid eye disease and factors predictive of disease severity

Purpose:

To describe the clinical features of thyroid eye disease (TED) in patients presenting at a tertiary eye care centre in North India and to identify factors predictive of severe disease.

Methods:

This observational cross-sectional study involved clinical evaluation of all patients with TED who presented at the oculoplastic clinic based on the ITEDS VISA proforma. Risk factors for the severe disease were assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

Results:

A total of 106 patients (50 males, 56 females; mean age 41.30 ± 14.76 years) were identified during the study period, 46.23% hyperthyroid, 33.96% hypothyroid and 19.81% euthyroid. The proportion of the patients with hypothyroid was higher as compared with prior studies and most patients with hypothyroid had the mild disease (63.89%). Orbitopathy symptoms were the presenting feature leading to the diagnosis of systemic thyroid abnormality in 25% of the patients with hypothyroid and 59.18% of the patients with hyperthyroid, respectively (P < 0.05). Eyelid and orbitopathy signs were more common in the patients with hyperthyroid (51.2% and 87.7%) as compared with hypothyroid where the commonest presenting symptoms were related to dry eye (50.1%). Active disease was seen in 22.6% of the patients. Mild, moderate to severe and sight-threatening disease was seen in 54.7%, 37.7% and 7.5%, respectively. On multivariate analyses, hyperthyroid status and activity was associated with severe disease. Smoking was not associated with activity or severity.

Conclusion:

There is no significant difference in the gender profile of the patients with TED in this cohort. The patients with hypothyroid have a milder disease compared to the patients with hyperthyroid, and dry eye symptoms are the commonest presenting symptoms in hypothyroid subjects. Hyperthyroidism and activity were associated with severe and sight-threatening disease.

The 4G/5G Polymorphism of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor Type 1 is a Predictor of Moderate-to-Severe Thyroid Eye Disease

Introduction

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is an autoimmune disease of the orbits. Once developed, complete cure is rare. Plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) contributes to remodeling of connective tissue and has a central role in the pathogenesis of TED. We aimed to test if the 4G/5G polymorphism of PAI-1 is a predictor of the development of moderate-to-severe TED.

Methods

A total of 185 patients with Graves’ disease, 87 of them with TED, 98 without TED, as well as 201 healthy controls, were studied. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood samples. The 4G/5G polymorphism of the PAI-1 gene was analyzed by allele-specific PCR, and the distribution of genotypes was calculated in each group. Plasma PAI-1 and thyroid hormone levels were measured by ELISA and ECLIA, respectively.

Results

The 4G/4G genotype was associated with the development of moderate-to-severe TED (OR = 2.54; 95% CI: 1.26–5.14; p < 0.01). The 4G/5G polymorphism of PAI-1 was not a predictor of plasma PAI-1 levels.

Conclusion

The 4G/4G genotype of PAI-1 is a risk factor for the development of moderate-to-severe TED. Patients with Graves’ disease who harbor this genotype may be candidates for special attention towards the development of TED.

Thyroid eye disease: Redefining its management-A review

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is a debilitating, vision threatening disease that dramatically alters patients' quality of life. Until recently, the management of TED is a long arduous course with supportive therapy, followed by an extensive surgical treatment plan to reverse the disease endpoints. Teprotumumab offers an early, safe therapeutic intervention to help reverse disease end points such as diplopia and proptosis and improve quality of life.

Risk factors for Graves' Orbitopathy in surgical patients-Results of a 10-year retrospective study with review of the literature

Introduction

We investigated known (eg age, smoking, thyrotropin receptor autoantibody (TRAb)) and new risk factors (eg thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies (TPO-Ab), thyroid size, or BMI) for Graves' disease (GD) and Graves' orbitopathy (GO), especially in combination with each other, to determine which factors play the most important role in the development of GO.

Methods

From 2008 to 2018, n = 500 patients with GD were included in this retrospective single-centre case-control study. N = 231 (46%) had a GO and n = 269 (54%) showed no GO. Differences in risk factors were determined by Mann-Whitney U and chi-square test. Combined influences of factors were examined by multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Age at first diagnosis of GD (OR = 1.043, p < .006), smoking status (OR = 2.64, p < .026) and TRAb (OR = 1.046, p < .01) had a significant impact on GO. The factors gender, TPO-Ab titre, BMI, TSH titre, T3 and T4 were not significant.

Conclusion

As it has been shown in univariate analyses, smoking, age and TRAb levels have a negative impact on the onset and course of GD and GO. Via multivariable regression, we could additionally show that smoking is the most important factor out of those analysed. TRAb might be a helpful surrogate parameter in the assessment of the progress of GO and therefore might be one factor in the decision-making process for potential early operative surgery. With regard to the hitherto unclear role of BMI, thyroid size and TPO-Ab in the course of GO, this study could not find any clinically relevant influence.

Current Knowledge on Graves' Orbitopathy

(1) Background: Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is an autoimmune inflammation of the orbital tissues and the most common extra-thyroid symptom of Graves' disease (GD). Mild cases of GO are often misdiagnosed, which prolongs the diagnostic and therapeutic process, leading to exacerbation of the disease. A severe course of GO may cause permanent vision loss. (2) Methods: The article presents an analysis of GO-its etiopathogenesis, diagnostics, current treatment and potential future therapeutic options based on a review of the currently available literature of the subject. (3) Results: Current treatment of the active GO consists predominantly in intravenous glucocorticoids (GCs) administration in combination with orbital radiotherapy. The growing knowledge on the pathogenesis of the disease has contributed to multiple trials of the use of immunosuppressive drugs and monoclonal antibodies which may be potentially effective in the treatment of GO. Immunosuppressive treatment is not effective in patients in whom a chronic inflammatory process has caused fibrous changes in the orbits. In such cases surgical treatment is performed-including orbital decompression, adipose tissue removal, oculomotor muscle surgery, eyelid alignment and blepharoplasty. (4) Conclusions: Management of GO is difficult and requires interdisciplinary cooperation in endocrinology; ophthalmology, radiation oncology and surgery. The possibilities of undertaking a reliable assessment and comparison of the efficacy and safety of the therapeutic strategies are limited due to the heterogeneity of the available studies conducted mostly on small group of patients, with no comparison with classic systemic steroid therapy. The registration by FDA of Teprotumumab, an IGF1-R antagonist, in January 2020 may be a milestone in future management of active GO. However, many clinical questions require to be investigated first.

Risk Factors of Thyroid Eye Disease

OBJECTIVE

To examine risk factors that might be associated with thyroid eye disease (TED) in patients with Graves' disease (GD), which may guide physicians in the prevention and management of TED.

METHODS

Medline and Embase were searched for articles discussing risk factors of TED. Comparisons were made between GD patients with and without TED, and between active and inactive TED GD patients. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) and odds ratios (ORs) were determined for continuous and dichotomous outcomes, respectively. Results were pooled with random effects using the DerSimonian and Laird model.

RESULTS

Fifty-six articles were included in the analysis. Smoking, inclusive of current and previous smoking status, was a significant risk factor for TED (OR: 2.401; CI: 1.958-2.945; P < .001). Statistical significance was found upon meta-regression between male sex and the odds of smoking and TED (β = 1.195; SE = 0.436; P = .013). Other risk factors were also examined, and patients with TED were significantly older than those without TED (WMD: 1.350; CI: 0.328-2.372; P = .010). While both age (WMD: 5.546; CI: 3.075-8.017; P < .001) and male sex (OR: 1.819; CI: 1.178-2.808; P = .007) were found to be significant risk factors for active TED patients compared to inactive TED patients, no statistical significance was found for family history, thyroid status, cholesterol levels, or body mass index.

CONCLUSION

Factors such as smoking, sex, and age predispose GD patients to TED, and TED patients to active TED. A targeted approach in the management of GD and TED is required to reduce the modifiable risk factor of smoking.

Asymmetry indicates more severe and active disease in Graves' orbitopathy: results from a prospective cross-sectional multicentre study

PURPOSE

Patients with Graves' orbitopathy can present with asymmetric disease. The aim of this study was to identify clinical characteristics that distinguish asymmetric from unilateral and symmetric Graves' orbitopathy.

METHODS

This was a multi-centre study of new referrals to 13 European Group on Graves' Orbitopathy (EUGOGO) tertiary centres. New patients presenting over a 4 month period with a diagnosis of Graves' orbitopathy were included. Patient demographics were collected and a clinical examination was performed based on a previously published protocol. Patients were categorized as having asymmetric, symmetric, and unilateral Graves' orbitopathy. The distribution of clinical characteristics among the three groups was documented.

RESULTS

The asymmetric group (n = 83), was older than the symmetric (n = 157) group [mean age 50.9 years (SD 13.9) vs 45.8 (SD 13.5), p = 0.019], had a lower female to male ratio than the symmetric and unilateral (n = 29) groups (1.6 vs 5.0 vs 8.7, p < 0.001), had more active disease than the symmetric and unilateral groups [mean linical Activity Score 3.0 (SD 1.6) vs 1.7 (SD 1.7), p < 0.001 vs 1.3 (SD 1.4), p < 0.001] and significantly more severe disease than the symmetric and unilateral groups, as measured by the Total Eye Score [mean 8.8 (SD 6.6) vs 5.3 (SD 4.4), p < 0.001, vs 2.7 (SD 2.1), p < 0.001].

CONCLUSION

Older age, lower female to male ratio, more severe, and more active disease cluster around asymmetric Graves' orbitopathy. Asymmetry appears to be a marker of more severe and more active disease than other presentations. This simple clinical parameter present at first presentation to tertiary centres may be valuable to clinicians who manage such patients.

Gender differences in clinical presentation and prognosis of thyroid eye disease

OBJECTIVE

To examine the clinical differences in manifestation, treatment, and prognosis of thyroid-eye-disease (TED) between men and women.

METHODS

This is a longitudinal cohort study. Men and women, who diagnosed with TED and treated at a multidisciplinary TED clinic, were compared regarding differences in demographics, eye examination, disease activity, and quality of life evaluation.

RESULTS

TED was diagnosed in 132 patients during the study period, and they included 38 men (28.78%) and 94 women (71.21%). There were six men and 20 women with active disease (Clinical-Activity-Score (CAS) ⩾ 3) during the entire follow-up period (p < 0.01). The mean time from TED diagnosis to CAS ⩾ 3 was 4.50 years for men and 2.35 years for women (p = 0.05). There were no significant differences in mean total Graves' Orbitopathy-Quality-of-Life questionnaire (GO-QOL) score. However, mean GO-QOL subtotal score of external appearance of women was significantly lower compare to men in the first and last visit (p = 0.04, 0.03, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Active disease was more common in women and the time-from-diagnosis of TED to CAS ⩾ 3 was shorter among women. Moreover, the appearance QOL score of women was poorer. These findings should be taken into consideration when planning the timing of treatment and when choosing the best treatment for TED patients.

Prevalence of thyroid eye disease in Graves' disease: A meta-analysis and systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is a debilitating condition that frequently manifests in patients suffering from Graves' disease (GD). This study aims to analyse the prevalence of TED among GD patients, with a focus on geographical region-specific rates.

METHODS

Medline and Embase were searched for articles examining TED prevalence on April 2020, and articles were retrieved and sieved. Statistical analysis was performed after Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation. Thereafter, results were pooled with random effects by DerSimonian and Laird model.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven articles involving 26,804 patients were included in the review. The overall pooled prevalence of TED was 40% (CI: 0.32 to 0.48) and by continent was 38% (CI: 0.31 to 0.46) for Europe, 44% (CI: 0.32 to 0.56) for Asia, 27% (CI: 0.06 to 0.56) for North America and 58% (CI: 0.55 to 0.61) for Oceania. The prevalence of TED in Southeast Asia was 35% (CI: 0.24 to 0.47) and Middle East 48% (CI: 0.19 to 0.78). Subgroup analysis showed regions with predominantly Caucasians (37%; CI: 0.28 to 0.46) had a lower prevalence of TED compared to Asians (45%; CI: 0.33 to 0.58). The pooled prevalence of lid retraction was 57% (CI: 0.39 to 0.74), proptosis 57% (CI: 0.48 to 0.65), diplopia 36% (CI: 0.24 to 0.48) and ocular hypertension 13% (CI: 0.06 to 0.19).

CONCLUSION

A substantial proportion of patients with GD have TED and often manifest as lid retraction, proptosis and diplopia. Early detection through active screening might help to mitigate the progression of TED and its associated complications.

Demographic and clinical profile of 1000 patients with thyroid eye disease presenting to a Tertiary Eye Care Institute in India

PURPOSE

To assess the demographic and clinical profile of thyroid eye disease (TED) presenting to a Tertiary Eye Care Institute in India.

METHODS

All patients who were diagnosed to have TED between the year 2007 and 2017 at the Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery Service, LV Prasad Eye Institute, were included in this retrospective observational study. The demographic details of parameters such as age, gender and laterality, presenting signs and symptoms, clinical activity at presentation, and systemic thyroid status were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 1000 consecutive patients of TED were evaluated in the 10-year period. Average age at presentation was 44.9 years (range 8-89). Of the 1000, 529 (53%) were males, and 358 (36%) had unilateral TED. At presentation, the TED was active (time since onset ≤ 12 months) in 476 (48%) cases and 71 (7%) had dysthyroid optic neuropathy. Of the 913 patients where systemic thyroid status was available at the time of presentation, 342 (37%) were euthyroid at presentation. Of the patients who were active at presentation (n = 476), 349 (70.3%) were 'Silent presenters' (Active as per timeline, but CAS ≤ 3). A prominent eye was the most common presenting symptom in 563 (64%) patients. Presenting signs in order of frequency were proptosis in 582 (58%), lower lid retraction (49%), upper lid retraction (48%), strabismus (6%), ptosis (5.5%), and corneal ulcer (1.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

TED in India presents to the tertiary eye center with slight male preponderance. One-third (37%) are euthyroid and half (48%) are active at presentation. One-third (35%) are silent presenters, with minimal clinical activity during the active phase of TED.

Factors associated with severity of orbitopathy in patients with Graves' disease

PURPOSE

Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is one of the most frequent orbital disorders and is the most common cause of proptosis in adults. GO is described as chronic inflammation of orbital and periorbital tissues. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for severe GO in patients with Graves' disease (GD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a prospective cross-sectional study done on 52 newly diagnosed patients of GD with GO documented by thyroid 99mTechnetium-pertechnetate scan at our center between May 2016 and May 2019. All patients underwent a comprehensive ophthalmological examination and laboratory and hormonal analysis. Clinical Activity Score (CAS) and severity were estimated as per the European Group on Graves Orbitopathy. Thirty-four patients with mild GO were compared with 18 patients with moderate-to-severe GO (severe) for baseline risk parameters.

RESULTS

Majority of the patients had mild orbitopathy (34 [65.4%]) followed by moderate to severe (18 [34.6%]). CAS was active in 13.5% of the study group. There was a statistically significant male preponderance in severe GO. Current smoking increased the risk of severe GO (P = 0.003). Duration of GD symptoms at presentation was statistically significantly longer in severe GO patients than mild GO (P = 0.004). Thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) titer significantly increased in severe GO group (6.2 ± 2.4 IU/L) when compared to mild GO (3.2 ± 1.6 IU/L) (P < 0.001). TRAb positivity was similar between groups. Braley's sign, i.e., the differential intraocular pressure (IOP) of >6 mmHg, was statistically significantly higher in severe GO (P < 0.001). Male gender, current smoking, TRAb >2 upper limit of normal (ULN), and differential IOP >6 mmHg were found to be associated with severe GO.

CONCLUSION

Approximately 35% of the patients with GO have severe disease, with a higher risk in men. This study identified male gender, current smoking, TRAb >2 ULN, and differential IOP >6 mmHg to be associated with severe GO.

Medical treatment in thyroid eye disease in 2020

Thyroid eye disease (TED) affects 25% of patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism, where 1 in 20 patients has active, moderate-to-severe disease that will require medical treatment for reducing TED activity and severity. Intravenous corticosteroid has been the mainstay of treatment for active moderate-to-severe TED. With improved understanding of the pathophysiology of TED, immunotherapy targeting different molecular pathways including T cells, B cells, cytokines and cell surface receptors have been investigated in randomised clinical trials. This review provides an overview of the current advances in medical treatment including teprotumumab, tocilizumab, rituximab and mycophenolate and the indications for their use in the management of active, moderate-to-severe TED.

Eye Conditions in Women

Changes in vision can have significant impact on health and quality of life. Differences between women and men have been identified in the incidence of several eye conditions. Some of these differences are a result of the greater longevity of women. However, the eye, like other organs, is susceptible to the impacts of inflammation and sex steroids. Conditions, such as thyroid eye disease, optic neuritis, and dry eye disease are related to autoimmune or inflammatory conditions and are, thus, more common among women. Idiopathic intracranial hypertension occurs disproportionately in women of childbearing age; the etiology of this condition appears to be related to both inflammatory and sex hormone fluctuations.

Asymmetric Graves' Orbitopathy

Graves' Orbitopathy (GO) is an autoimmune orbital disorder usually presenting as a sequala of autoimmune thyroid disease. The presence of GO is associated with increased psychological burden and, in severe cases may cause blindness. While most patients with GO present with bilateral disease, asymmetric or unilateral GO may affect a significant proportion of patients diagnosed with GO. Older age, male sex, active and severe disease correlate with asymmetric disease. However, the exact mechanisms causing asymmetry remain elusive. Herein, we review the literature on asymmetric GO and highlight its differences compared with bilateral GO.

Radiological Staging of Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy: Comparison of T1 Mapping with Conventional MRI

BACKGROUND

Accurate staging of patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is crucial for clinical decision. Full cognition of pathologic changes and staging TAO using conventional T2-weighted imaging is still limited.

PURPOSE

To investigate the feasibility of using T1 mapping to evaluate changes of extraocular muscles (EOMs) in TAO patients, as well as to compare T1 mapping and conventional T2-weighted imaging in staging TAO.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty TAO patients were retrospectively enrolled. "Hot spot" and "cold spot" T1 relaxation times (T1RT_HS and T1RT_CS) of EOMs, as well as conventionally applied highest signal intensity ratio (SIR) of EOMs, were measured and compared between active and inactive groups.

RESULTS

T1RT_CS and SIR were significantly higher in active TAOs than in the inactive ones (P < 0.001), while T1RT_HS was not (P=0.093). Meanwhile, T1RT_CS and SIR were positively correlated with clinical activity score (r = 0.489, 0.540; P < 0.001). TIRT_CS and SIR showed no significant area under curve for staging TAO (0.830 vs. 0.852; P=0.748). T1RT_CS ≥ 1000 alone showed optimal staging specificity (90.0%), while integration of T1RT_CS ≥ 1000 and SIR ≥ 2.9 demonstrated optimal staging efficiency and sensitivity (area under curve, 0.900; sensitivity, 86.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the T1-mapping technique holds the potency to be utilized in TAO. The derived T1RT_CS of EOMs, which may be associated with fat infiltration, could be a useful biomarker to stage the disease, serving added efficiency, sensitivity, and specificity to single usage of conventional SIR.

Current Understanding of the Progression and Management of Thyroid Associated Orbitopathy: A Systematic Review

Thyroid associated orbitopathy (TAO) is a common diagnosis encountered by ophthalmologists and oculoplastic surgeons. TAO has a varying clinical presentation that can include upper eyelid retraction, restrictive strabismus, proptosis, exposure keratopathy, and optic neuropathy. In this review, we discuss the most recent literature on and the current understanding of the pathophysiology of TAO. We also review available and potential future treatment options for the management of TAO.

Thyroid-associated Orbitopathy: Quantitative Evaluation of the Orbital Fat Volume and Edema Using IDEAL-FSE

Background and Purpose

To compare orbital quantitative data obtained by fast spin-echo iterative decomposition of water and fat with echo asymmetry and least-squares estimation (FSE-IDEAL) in patients with thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO) and healthy controls and to investigate the characteristics of these data in TAO patients.

Materials and Methods

Twenty-two TAO patients (4 males and 18 females; median age 51.0 years) and 22 healthy subjects (5 males and 17 females; median age 50.5 years) underwent orbital T2-weighted FSE-IDEAL. The water fraction in orbital fat was defined as the signal intensity (SI) water / (SI water + SI fat). The orbital fat volume was measured on fat images. The degree of proptosis was evaluated using in-phase imaging. Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare these quantitative data in the two groups. In TAO patients we ascertained the correlation among these values with the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.

Results

In TAO patients, the water fraction (right and left, p = 0.04), fat volume (right and left, p = 0.03) and degree of proptosis (right and left, p < 0.01) were higher than in the controls. In TAO patients, only the water fraction and the fat volume of left orbit showed negative correlation (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

The water fraction of orbital fat, the orbital fat volume and the degree of proptosis obtained with FSE-IDEAL were higher in TAO patients than in the controls. The water fraction was a new parameter for differentiating between TAO patients and healthy subjects.