Introduction: Graves orbitopathy (GO) is an autoimmune disease affecting the orbits and the periorbital tissues with an annual incidence of 16 per 100,000 population in women and 2.9 in men. While GO occurs in the spectrum of hyperthyroidism or Graves disease, 7.9% of these patients have a normal thyroid function and only a few are negative for thyroid antibodies. When left untreated, GO may become debilitating and threaten vision. Case Description: A 64-year-old male presented with gross bilateral proptosis and chemosis, which developed over a period of 10 years. Palpitations, hand tremors, heat intolerance, weight loss, and insomnia were notably absent, and the thyroid gland was normal. The bilateral proptosis was left unattended for 10 years until extreme lagophthalmos and chemosis with corneal and mucosal exposure leading to dryness, foreign body sensation, excruciating eye pain, and blurred vision resulted. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), T3, and T4, were normal. TSH-receptor antibody (TRAb) and thyroid peroxidase antibody were negative. The computed tomography scan with contrast of the orbits showed bilateral proptosis and extraocular muscle enlargement typical for thyroid eye disease. The patient was diagnosed with TRAb- negative euthyroid GO with a European Group on Graves’ Orbitopathy (EUGOGO) clinical score of 7/7, indicating a severe, active disease. Screening prior to administration of GO immunosuppressive therapy revealed chronic hepatitis B infection. The patient was started with tenofovir for 2 weeks before treatment for GO. The patient was given intravenous methylprednisolone with cumulative dose of 4.5 g for 12 weeks, with daily mycophenolate sodium 0.72 g for 12 weeks. Upon completing the 12-week treatment regimen and undergoing an adjunctive lateral canthotomy and partial tarsorrhaphy, the GO signs and symptoms dramatically resolved, and visual acuity markedly improved. Conclusion This case report presents an unusual condition of a euthyroid, TRAb-negative Graves orbitopathy. It provides insights on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with such atypical presentation. Despite the chronicity and severity of this patient’s GO, excellent results were achieved with appropriate and guideline-directed treatment.
Human ; Male ; Middle Aged: 45-64 Yrs Old ; Graves Ophthalmopathy ; Exophthalmos ; Mycophenolic Acid