Unilateral Graves Orbitopathy-case report

Abstract

Graves’ Orbitopathy (GO) is the most common extra thyroidal feature of autoimmune thyroid disease presentation. It is characterized by development of orbital inflammation that involves both, adipose tissue and extra-ocular muscles. The condition is associated with increased psychological burden and in severe cases may lead to optic nerve damage, causing blindness. While most patients with GO present with bilateral disease, asymmetric or unilateral GO may affect a significant proportion of patients diagnosed with the condition. It has been shown that older age, male sex, active and severe disease are the most significant factors for development of unilateral form of the disease. The pathophysiological mechanisms of unilateral presentation of GO still remains uncertain.