[Diagnosis and treatment of dysthyroid orbitopathy: a multidisciplinary disease]

Graves' disease is a common autoimmune disorder that can be complicated, especially in smokers, by an orbitopathy which can sometimes jeopardize vision and result in functional sequelae affecting quality of life of these patients. Although the diagnosis of dysthyroid orbitopathy is usually obvious, clinical evaluation must specify the stage of progression (clinical activity score) and severity according to the European Group EUGOGO classification. At first, rapid restoration of the euthyroid state, smoking cessation and simple symptomatic ophthalmic treatment are suggested. In the case of severe or active orbitopathy, oral or intravenous corticosteroid therapy with or without orbital radiation therapy (and even emergency orbital surgery in the case of compressive optic neuropathy) should be implemented. Ultimately, orbital surgery (orbital decompression in cases of exophthalmos), oculomotor surgery (diplopia) or eyelid surgery (retraction) may be required depending on the severity of sequelae. A multidisciplinary approach involving ophthalmologist, endocrinologist and orbital surgeon should facilitate an overall diagnosis and treatment plan for these patients.