J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2003 Jan;44(1):1-9.

Radiation Therapy for Thyroid Orbitopathy

• Sun DY
• Kim YD

Abstract

PURPOSE
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of radiotherapy for the patients with Graves' orbitopathy who were intolerable to corticosteroid therapy. METHODS: From December 1995 to June 2000, We reviewed medical records of thirteen patients who had received orbital radiation delivering 2000 cGy in 10 fractions over 2 weeks. RESULTS: Compressive optic neuropathy was improved in 3 of 4 patients (75%), and soft tissue swelling was improved in eight of 9 patients (88%). Proptosis was reduced in 3 of 13 (30%) patients. However, diplopia and ocular motility responded poorly and was improved only in 2 of 10 (20%) patients. No adverse effects of radiotherapy occurred in any patient. Specifically there was no sign of radiation-induced injury to optic nerve, retina, or lens. CONCLUSIONS: Radiotherapy was successful in patients with acute Graves' orbitopathy especially who had compressive optic neuropathy or soft tissue swelling. This modality was useful for those who showed intolerable side effects from the use of corticosteroid or the recurrence with corticosteroid treatment.

Keyword

Graves' orbitopathy; Radiotherapy

MeSH Terms

Diplopia
Exophthalmos
Humans
Medical Records
Optic Nerve
Optic Nerve Diseases
Orbit
Radiotherapy
Recurrence
Retina
Thyroid Gland*