Hanyang Medical Reviews  2016;36(3):186-191

doi:10.7599/hmr.2016.36.3.186

Current Trends in the Management of Thyroid Ophthalmopathy.

Sunah KANG 1 ; Ho Seok SA

Affiliations

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Keywords

Thyroid Ophthalmopathy; Corticosteroids; Orbital Radiation Therapy; Orbital Decompression

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

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.