[Surgical treatment of endocrine ophthalmopathy]

Thyroid ophthalmopathy is an inflammatory disorder of the extraocular muscles, orbital fat and orbital connective tissue that is most commonly seen in patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism. Inflammation is accompanied by deposition of extracellular matrix components, in particular glycosaminoglycans. The increase in the volume of the orbital contents may lead to periorbital swelling, extraocular muscle dysfunction, disfiguring proptosis, exposure keratitis, increased intraocular pressure and optic nerve compression. In many cases, surgical treatment is necessary for the rehabilitation of patients. In this report, we present a series of patients to illustrate relevant procedures and the results of surgical treatment in patients with thyroid ophthalmopathy. The records of all patients (66) with thyroid ophthalmopathy hospitalized in the Department of Ophthalmology, Haukeland University Hospital 1 April 1994-31 March 1998 were retrospectively evaluated. Orbital decompressions were performed in 43 patients (in 17 for compressive optic neuropathy), squint surgery in 13 patients, correction of eyelid retraction in 20 patients, and removal of excessive skin and fat from the eyelids in 11 patients. Average reduction of proptosis was 4 mm after lateral wall resection, and 6 mm after combined medial and lateral wall resection. Visual acuity improved in patients with compressive optic neuropathy to 6/6 or better in 18/20 eyes (postoperative data were not available for all patients), while that of the remaining two eyes was 6/9 and 6/24, respectively. Squint surgery was successful (no diplopia in primary or reading position) in eight patients after one procedure, and in four after two procedures. One patient has been scheduled for a third procedure due to a severe esotropia. In patients with thyroid ophthalmopathy, suboptimal treatment of the thyroid disorder may worsen the ophthalmopathy. 16 patients had their medication adjusted, ten were referred for thyroid surgery, and one for treatment with radioiodine. Treatment of patients with thyroid ophthalmopathy is a therapeutic challenge requiring close collaboration between different specialists. In severe cases, several surgical procedures may be needed. The complication rate is low, however, and for most patients the functional as well as the aesthetic situation is greatly improved.