Ophthalmopathy after neck irradiation therapy for Hodgkin's disease

Ophthalmopathy associated with autoimmune thyroid disease (Graves' ophthalmopathy) may occur years after irradiation of the neck for nonthyroid malignant disease. Two patients developed this complication 2 and 18 years after irradiation treatment of Hodgkin's disease: one with hypothyroidism associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and the other with hyperthyroidism. Careful long-term observation of thyroid function following neck irradiation is recommended in view of this unusual complication and the frequent occurrence of hypothyroidism.