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Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy

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Endocrine Autoimmunity and Associated Conditions

Part of the book series: Immunology and Medicine Series ((IMME,volume 27))

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Abstract

Graves’ disease (GD) is an autoimmune disease in which autoantibodies directed against the thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) are produced. Interaction of these stimulatory antibodies with the TSHR on thyrocytes results in hyperthyroidism (Chapter 4). Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is the eye disease that commonly accompanies GD. Approximately 20–25% of patients with Graves’ hyperthyroidism have clinically evident TAO [1]. However, subtle ocular involvement can be demonstrated in the vast majority of patients when sensitive imaging techniques such as orbital ultrasonography are used [2]. Conversely, although approximately 10% of patients with TAO have the characteristic eye changes without current or past evidence of hyperthyroidism (‘euthyroid ophthalmopathy’), the vast majority of these patients have laboratory evidence of autoimmune thyroid disease, including antibodies to thyroid peroxidase or to the TSHR [3]. Finally, there is a close temporal relationship between the onset of hyperthyroidism in GD and the development of clinically significant TAO; eye involvement precedes or follows the onset of TAO by 18 months in 85% of affected individuals [1].

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  1. Division of Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA

    R. M. Cuddihy & R. S. Bahn

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  1. R. M. Cuddihy
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  1. Department of Medicine Clinical Sciences Centre, University of Sheffield Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, S5 7AU, UK

    A. P. Weetman

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Cuddihy, R.M., Bahn, R.S. (1998). Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy. In: Weetman, A.P. (eds) Endocrine Autoimmunity and Associated Conditions. Immunology and Medicine Series, vol 27. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-5044-6_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-5044-6_6

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