Graves’ ophtalmopathy and dysthyroid optic neuropathy: Imaging studies for diagnosis

Abstract

The diagnosis of Graves’ ophtalmopathy (GO) is based on clinical examination, laboratory tests (indicating thyroid dysfunction and inflammatory and autoimmune unbalance) and imaging studies (such computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound and colour Doppler imaging). Imaging studies can be helpful in establishing the certain diagnosis of GO, because they provide objective morphological findings of the orbital structures. An important role of imaging studies is revealed in differential diagnosis versus other orbital diseases and can be also used to evaluate the progression of the disease and follow-up after clinical or surgical treatment.

Keywords

• graves’ ophtalmopathy
• computed tomography
• magnetic resonance imaging
• ultrasonography
• colour doppler ultrasonography
• radionuclide-based imaging