The clinicopathologic basis of Graves' ophthalmopathy: a review.

Abstract

Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) is a controversial disease, with disagreement within the medical community regarding its pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.We reviewed recent literature on clinical and pathological aspects of GO from both the endocrinologist's and ophthalmologist's perspective.Investigations into the pathogenesis of GO have included possible antigenic targets, orbital cell types, and development of animal models. Diagnosis has been improved recently with new tools and grading systems, but can be complicated by conditions that may simulate one or more of the findings of GO. The new findings of clinical studies also compel practitioners to reassess commonly used GO treatments such as orbital irradiation.Improved understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of GO should hopefully lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to this problematic condition.