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Decompression Surgery for Thyroid-Related Orbitopathy: Status of the Art and Unresolved Issues

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Oculoplastics and Orbit

Part of the book series: Essentials in Ophthalmology ((ESSENTIALS))

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Abstract

The autoimmune process at the root of thyroid orbitopathy (TRO) leads to accumulation of complex carbohydrates called glycosaminoglycans and collagen within the extraocular muscles and orbital fat. The consequent edema and fi- brosis lead to marked swelling of the soft tissues confined within the boundary of the bony orbit with an increase in intraorbital pressure. Rarely, the increased intraorbital pressure is a cause of potentially sight-threatening conditions such as optic neuropathy or exposure keratopathy, but more frequently it leads to different degrees of venous congestion, strabismus, eyelid swelling, retraction, and exophthalmos. The latter four are principally responsible for the major aesthetic changes affecting patients with TRO.

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Rudolf Guthoff James Katowitz

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(2007). Decompression Surgery for Thyroid-Related Orbitopathy: Status of the Art and Unresolved Issues. In: Guthoff, R., Katowitz, J. (eds) Oculoplastics and Orbit. Essentials in Ophthalmology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-33677-8_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-33677-8_9

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-540-33675-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-540-33677-8

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