The pathogenesis of Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is not completely understood. Coexistent hyperfunction of the thyroid gland is frequent; however, GO may also coexist with hypo- or euthyrodism. The course of GO is largely independent of thyroid function, although elevated serum TSH is known to negatively interfere with GO course. GO is severe in 10% of the cases; sight threatening complications may also develop. A successful therapy of GO requires the assesment of both the severity and activity of orbital inflammation. Based on relevant studies and our own experiences, the possible management choices are reviewed here. For this purpose, we compare the clinical value of imaging techniques for detecting the activity of the disease. During the last 15 years, we used 99mTc-DTPA retrobulbar SPECT routinely in more than 1400 patients to facilitate the right therapeutic decision. This diagnostic utility simplified management decisions compared to previously applied alternative techniques. We recommended the routine use of 99mTc-DTPA retrobulbar SPECT for the evaluation and follow-up of GO.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.5603/NMR.a2018.0005DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

99mtc-dtpa retrobulbar
12
retrobulbar spect
12
graves' orbitopathy
8
role 99mtc-dtpa
4
spect staging
4
staging follow-up
4
follow-up graves'
4
orbitopathy pathogenesis
4
pathogenesis graves'
4
orbitopathy completely
4

Similar Publications

The most frequent extrathyroidal Graves' disease manifestation is Graves' orbitopathy (GO). The treatment of GO is determined by its severity and activity. There is currently no reliable, impartial method for assessing it clinically or distinguishing fibrosis from active inflammatory disorders.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The pathogenesis of Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is not completely understood. Coexistent hyperfunction of the thyroid gland is frequent; however, GO may also coexist with hypo- or euthyrodism. The course of GO is largely independent of thyroid function, although elevated serum TSH is known to negatively interfere with GO course.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The impact of 99mTc-DTPA orbital SPECT in patient selection for external radiation therapy in Graves' ophthalmopathy.

Nucl Med Commun

February 2013

Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical and Health Science Center, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98., Debrecen H-4032, Hungary.

Objective: In Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO), there is a demand to differentiate the immunologically active disease state, when immunosuppressive therapy is necessary, from the inactive state, when the patient would not benefit from it. We measured the inflammatory activity in the retrobulbar region using Tc-diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) SPECT before and after external radiation to determine whether this method is suitable for predicting the effectiveness of this therapy.

Materials And Methods: Thirty-two patients with suspected active GO were involved in this retrospective study.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!