ULTRASOUND EXAMINATION OF THE ORBIT IN PATIENTS WITH THYROIDASSOCIATED ORBITOPATHY - EXAMINATION GUIDE AND...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Endocrinology
• Radiology

Background:

• Thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO) diagnosis and treatment often rely on clinical and laboratory assessments.
• Ultrasonography (US) of the orbit is frequently underutilized or delayed in clinical practice for TAO patients.
• Despite its benefits, the drawbacks and limitations of US in TAO require careful consideration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities of orbital ultrasonography (US) in thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO).
• To highlight the benefits of US in the diagnosis and long-term monitoring of TAO.
• To provide recommendations for US examination of extraocular muscles and the orbit in TAO.

Main Methods:

• Review of published studies and clinical experience in diagnosing and treating TAO patients.
• Detailed recommendation for US examination of extraocular muscles and the orbit.
• Emphasis on integrating US findings with clinical evaluations.

Main Results:

• Orbital US is an essential addition to clinical and laboratory examinations in TAO.
• US facilitates correct TAO diagnosis and disease monitoring over time.
• US examination must be interpreted alongside clinical findings.

Conclusions:

• Orbital ultrasonography is an excellent and irreplaceable tool for timely TAO diagnosis and monitoring.
• Significant examiner experience and knowledge of TAO's clinical and ultrasound manifestations are crucial for effective use.
• US findings should always be evaluated in conjunction with clinical data.