Imaging Techniques in Thyroid-associated Orbitopathy

Abstract

Thyroid-associated orbitopathy is the leading cause of orbital inflammatory disease and exophthalmos in adults. Its progression can generate complications, which, in case of inopportune management or diagnostic omission, can lead to irreversible visual dysfunction. Hence the importance of guaranteeing an adequate diagnosis and treatment, for which a correct imaging management is essential. With the purpose of updating and systematizing the knowledge on the imaging diagnosis of thyroid associated orbitopathy, a review of the publications related to the subject of the last two decades was carried out. The search and localization of the information was supported by the choice of keywords/descriptors that configured its profile. In addition, ultrasound scans, CT scans and MRI scans of patients diagnosed with this disease at the Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology Ramón Pando Ferrer, during the last 10 years, were analyzed. All that has been investigated confirms that imaging techniques are key to establish the diagnosis of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy, but they will never replace a detailed clinical history and a thorough physical examination. The physician is seriously mistaken when he pretends to ignore the importance of clinical judgment. The omission of this principle will, at best, only lead to casual diagnoses.