Antithyroid drugs in Graves' hyperthyroidism: differences between "block and replace" and "titration" regimes in frequency of euthyroidism and Graves' orbitopathy during treatment.

PURPOSE: Whereas antithyroid drugs (ATD) are the preferred treatment modality for Graves' hyperthyroidism (GH), there is still controversy about the optimal regimen for delivering ATD. To evaluate whether 'Block and Replace' (B + R) and 'Titration' (T) regimes are equivalent in terms of frequency of euthyroidism and Graves' Orbitopathy (GO) during ATD therapy. METHODS: A prospective multicentre observational cohort study of 344 patients with GH but no GO at baseline. Patients were treated with ATD for 18 months according to B + R or T regimen in line with their institution's policy. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. In the treatment period between 6 and 18 months thyrotropin (TSH) slightly increased in both groups, but TSH was on average 0.59 mU/L (95% CI 0.27-0.85) lower in the B + R group at all time points (p = 0.026). Serum free thyroxine (FT4) remained stable during the same interval, with a tendency to higher values in the B + R group. The point-prevalence of euthyroidism (TSH and FT4 within their reference ranges) increased with longer duration of ATD in both groups; it was always higher in the T group than in the B + R group: 48 and 24%, respectively, at 6 months, 81 and 58% at 12 months, and 87 and 63% at 18 months (p < 0.002). There were no significant differences between the B + R and T regimens with respect to the fall in thyrotropin binding inhibiting immunoglobulins (TBII) or thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab). GO developed in 15.9% of all patients: 9.1 and 17.8% in B + R group and T group, respectively, (p = 0.096). GO was mild in 13% and moderate-to-severe in 2%. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of biochemical euthyroidism during treatment with antithyroid drugs is higher during T compared to B + R regimen. De novo development of GO did not differ significantly between the two regimens, although it tended to be higher in the T group. Whether one regimen is clinically more advantageous than the other remains unclear.

Asymmetry indicates more severe and active disease in Graves' orbitopathy: results from a prospective cross-sectional multicentre study.

PURPOSE: Patients with Graves' orbitopathy can present with asymmetric disease. The aim of this study was to identify clinical characteristics that distinguish asymmetric from unilateral and symmetric Graves' orbitopathy. METHODS: This was a multi-centre study of new referrals to 13 European Group on Graves' Orbitopathy (EUGOGO) tertiary centres. New patients presenting over a 4 month period with a diagnosis of Graves' orbitopathy were included. Patient demographics were collected and a clinical examination was performed based on a previously published protocol. Patients were categorized as having asymmetric, symmetric, and unilateral Graves' orbitopathy. The distribution of clinical characteristics among the three groups was documented. RESULTS: The asymmetric group (n = 83), was older than the symmetric (n = 157) group [mean age 50.9 years (SD 13.9) vs 45.8 (SD 13.5), p = 0.019], had a lower female to male ratio than the symmetric and unilateral (n = 29) groups (1.6 vs 5.0 vs 8.7, p < 0.001), had more active disease than the symmetric and unilateral groups [mean linical Activity Score 3.0 (SD 1.6) vs 1.7 (SD 1.7), p < 0.001 vs 1.3 (SD 1.4), p < 0.001] and significantly more severe disease than the symmetric and unilateral groups, as measured by the Total Eye Score [mean 8.8 (SD 6.6) vs 5.3 (SD 4.4), p < 0.001, vs 2.7 (SD 2.1), p < 0.001]. CONCLUSION: Older age, lower female to male ratio, more severe, and more active disease cluster around asymmetric Graves' orbitopathy. Asymmetry appears to be a marker of more severe and more active disease than other presentations. This simple clinical parameter present at first presentation to tertiary centres may be valuable to clinicians who manage such patients.

[Orbital neoplasia. Part II: mesenchymal, leukemic, lymphoproliferative and bony tumors, metastasis]. / Orbitale Neoplasien. Teil II: Mesenchymale, leukämische, lymphoproliferative und Knochentumoren, Metastasen.

With reference to the first article on the topic orbital neoplasias this second part focuses on the main characteristics of mesenchymal, leukemic, lymphoproliferative, osseous as well as secondary neoplasias of the orbit. For each entity the therapeutic approaches are presented. A large number of case report examples underline once more the importance of an efficient diagnostic procedure to ensure sufficient treatment of the lesion itself as well as the relatively common underlying systemic disease.

[Orbital neoplasia. Part I: Introduction, vascular and neurogenic tumors]. / Orbitale Neoplasien. Teil I: Einführung, vaskuläre und neurogene Neoplasien.

Tumors of the orbit are rare but the huge variability of clinical symptoms and findings are challenging for the ophthalmologist who is frequently contacted as the first resort. If the patient history and clinical findings are suspicious for an orbital mass the result of the initial examination should allow a rough estimation of localization (intra/extraconal), type of growth (expansive/infiltrative), dignity (vascular/solid etc.) and threat to visual functions. An adequate initial diagnostic pathway enables a precise question to the radiologist to be formulated and selection of the disciplines required for an interdisciplinary workup and therefore for early treatment.

Orbital decompression in thyroid eye disease.

Though enlargement of the bony orbit by orbital decompression surgery has been known for about a century, surgical techniques vary all around the world mostly depending on the patient's clinical presentation but also on the institutional habits or the surgeon's skills. Ideally every surgical intervention should be tailored to the patient's specific needs. Therefore the aim of this paper is to review outcomes, hints, trends, and perspectives in orbital decompression surgery in thyroid eye disease regarding different surgical techniques.

[Autogenous tarsus transplant as spacer for treatment of lower lid retraction in Grave's disease]. / Das freie autologe Tarsustransplantat als Spacer zur Behandlung der Unterlidretraktion bei Endokriner Orbitopathie.

BACKGROUND: Lower lid retraction in dysthyroid orbitopathy is of less functional concern than optic neuropathy or diplopia in central positions of gaze. However, it may lead to incomplete lid closure resulting in corneal exposure. Patients often suffer from aesthetic impairment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 13 consecutive patients treated for lower lid retraction due to Grave's Disease between 2005 and 2007 was undertaken. In spite of regular ophthalmological examinations, specific attention was directed to measurement of the lid fissure width and scleral show for quantification of lower lid retraction. OPERATION: The lower lid is everted and the conjunctiva is opened horizontally underneath the tarsal edge. Lower lid retractors are disinserted and dissected until the lower lid might be elevated in symmetry to the fellow eye. This procedure is continued until 1 mm overcorrection is gained. A free tarsal transplant is harvested from the ipsilateral upper lid tarsus. At least 4 mm vertical tarsus have to be left. Tarsus is sutured with absorbable material. RESULTS: In the 13 patients operated upon (9 women, 4 men) aged 23 - 67 years, scleral show was preoperative 2.7 mm (mean) and postoperative 0.1 mm. Lid fissure width was preoperative 13 mm (10 - 16 mm) and immediately postoperative 10.3 mm (7 - 13). 6 months postoperative the lid-elevating effect was reduced by 0.5 mm in maximum in the 9 patients available for control. The lid closure deficit, which was present in 7 patients before, could be corrected completely in 5 and diminished to 1 mm in 2 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Using this particular technique, functional and aesthetical satisfying results are obtained. The main advantages are renunciation of allogen, xenogeny or synthetic material with its possible risks of slow-virus infection and/or extrusion. Further studies are necessary to evaluate long-term results.

[The currently most common causes of childhood blindness in Kinshasa (d. R. Congo)]. / Die gegenwärtig häufigsten Ursachen der Kinderblindheit in Kinshasa (D. C. Kongo).

BACKGROUND: 90 % of blind children live in the developing world. Only limited data are available on the prevalence and causes of blindness. PURPOSE AND METHODS: In order to identify the commonest causes of childhood blindness in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a study was conducted in 81 children (< 16 years old) attending schools for the blind in the capital city Kinshasa. RESULTS: According to WHO criteria, 53 (65.4 %) of the 81 children were classifiable as blind (visual acuity < 3/60), 11 (13.6 %) as visually impaired (visual acuity < 1/18) and 17 (21.0 %) as not impaired. On anatomic and functional classifications the commonest causes of blindness were: corneal opacity/scarring (20.0 %), phthisis bulbi (15.2 %), refractive anomalies (11.0 %), optic nerve atrophy (9.0 %), retinal disorders (7.6 %), glaucoma/buphthalmos (7.6 %), cataract (6.9 %), microphthalmos (3.5 %), vitreous opacity (2.8 %) and aphakia (2.1 %). The aetiology of blindness could not be determined in most of the children. Trauma, measles in conjunction with vitamin A deficiency, and the use of traditional eye medications are presumed to be the commonest causes of corneal opacity/scarring and of resultant phthisis bulbi. CONCLUSION: Childhood blindness would be potentially avoidable in 60 % of cases, either by surgery (for cataract [ 6.9 %]) or by preventive measures (corneal opacity/scarring, phthisis bulbi, glaucoma, refractive anomalies [ 53.0 %]).

[Diseases of the lacrimal gland]. / Erkrankungen der Tränendrüse.

Experience with the differential diagnosis of lacrimal gland illnesses is limited in daily practice due to their rarity. It is therefore of particular importance to have guidelines for the practitioner by which he can decide on the application of conservative or surgical therapy, and whether it is necessary to take a biopsy to clarify the diagnosis. There is a wide spectrum of possible illnesses which include systemic diseases, inflammatory disorders, neoplastic, benign and malignant tumors. When a pleomorphic adenoma cannot be excluded, biopsy is contraindicated and complete tumor excision with its capsule is necessary to prevent the possibility of malignant transformation and a negative effect on long-term prognosis. In this overview, special interest is placed on the typical clinical aspects and imaging features of lesions of the lacrimal gland fossa, their differential diagnosis and management.

[Orbital volume in congenital clinical anophthalmos]. / Orbitavolumetrie bei kongenitalem klinischen Anophthalmus.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to report orbital volume measurement results in patients with congenital clinical anophthalmia before and after therapy and to compare them with normal values. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Normal values were obtained from 35 healthy children (22 boys, 13 girls; aged 3 month to 7 years) in whom MRI was done for non-ophthalmological reasons. 18 patients with congenital anophthalmos could be included, 9 with bilateral, 8 with unilateral disease and 1 microphthalmos. 6 of them had MRI follow-up (more than one examination). RESULTS: Orbital volume at birth is 7 ml and it increases with age: Orbital volume = 7.701 x age (month) (0.2484) ml. It is around 14.2 ml at the age 1 year, 17 ml with 2 years and reaches 23 ml with 7 years. In unilateral clinical anophthalmos orbital volume is 35 to 58 % compared with the healthy side and 31 to 65 % compared with the normal values. In bilateral cases the volume is 43 to 70 % of the normal value. During treatment it develops in parallel to the normal values. CONCLUSIONS: The normal values measured by our group are in accordance with the only published study by Bentley . MRI orbital volumetry is a reliable method without using radiation. It allows us to quantify the bony asymmetry and is suitable for therapy control when using orbital expanders. The congenital missing eye might be the most important reason why the orbit does not develop in the normal way to a normal size. Self-inflating high, hydrophilic hydrogel expanders do not seem to be able to compensate this, in spite of the fact that they work very well to prepare the socket for a prosthesis.

[Treatment of eyelid retraction in Grave's disease by recession of the levator complex]. / Die Behandlung der Oberlidretraktion bei endokriner Orbitopathie durch die Rücklagerung des Levatorkomplexes.

BACKGROUND: The chronic stage in Grave's orbitopathy is characterised by fibrotic changes within the orbital soft tissues, especially the extraocular muscles. Retraction of the eyelids is a common clinical feature of this phenomenon. To solve this problem several techniques for lengthening the upper eyelid have been described with variable rates of success. In this report we describe our modified Harvey's technique for the correction of upper eyelid retraction which includes a complete recession of the Muller's muscle/levator complex from the tarsal plate without the interposition of a spacer. Finally only the skin and the superficial orbicularis muscle are sutured. We also report about our results with this procedure. METHODS: 8 patients (1 male, 7 female) with lid retraction in Grave's ophthalmopathy were recorded who had undergone the modified lengthening technique by an external approach between 2001 and 2004. Four patients underwent a bilateral procedure and 1 patient showed a significant under-correction, necessitating reoperation. So a total of 13 procedures were included in this follow-up study. Beside the common ophthalmological examination, special interest was put in the difference of the two eyelid apertures in primary position pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: Within a follow-up period of at least 3 months we recorded an averaged lengthening of the upper eyelid of 3.1 mm. The difference of the two eyelid apertures in primary position improved from 2.2 mm preoperatively to 1.0 mm postoperatively. Only 1 patient needed reoperation because of a significant under-correction. There were no late over-corrections observed. CONCLUSIONS: The modified Harvey's technique to lengthen the upper eyelid is a safe and effective method to reduce upper eyelid retraction in Grave's disease. An eventually required orbital decompression or extraocular muscle surgery has to be done before the lid surgery.

[Strabismus surgery in Grave's disease--dose-effect relationships and functional results]. / Augenmuskeloperationen bei endokriner Orbitopathie--Dosis-Wirkungs-Beziehung und funktionelle Ergebnisse.

BACKGROUND: Strabismus in thyroid ophthalmopathy is based on a loss of the contractility and distensibility of the external ocular muscles. Different therapeutic approaches are available, such as recession after pre-. or intraoperative measurement, adjustable sutures, antagonist resection, or contralateral synergist faden-operation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 26 patients with strabismus in thyroid ophthalmopathy were operated between 2000 and 2003. All patients were examined preoperatively, then 1 day and 3 - 6 months (maximum 36 months) postoperatively. Before proceeding with surgery, we waited at least 6 months after stabilization of ocular alignment and normalization of thyroid chemistry. RESULTS: Preoperative vertical deviation was 10-44 PD (mean 22), 3 months postoperatively it was 2-10 PD (mean 1.5). Recession of the fibrotic muscle leads to reproducible results: 3.98 +/- 0.52 PD vertical deviation/mm for the inferior rectus. In the case of a large preoperative deviation a correction should be expected, which might not be sufficient in the first few days or weeks; a second operation should not be carried out before 3 months. 7 patients were operated twice, 1 patient need three operations. 4 patients (preop. 0) achieved no double vision at all; 15 patients (preop. 1) had no double vision in the primary and reading positions; 3 patients (preop. 0) had no double vision with a maximum of 5 PD; 1 patient (preop. 7) had double vision in the primary or reading position even with prisms; and 2 patients (preop. 17) had double vision in every position. CONCLUSIONS: We advocate that recession of the restricted inferior or internal rectus muscle is precise, safe and effective in patients with thyroid ophthalmopathy. The recessed muscle should be fixed directly at the sclera to avoid late over-correction through a slipped muscle. The success rate in terms of binocular single vision was 76 % and 88 % with prisms added.

[Lateral orbital decompression for Graves' orbitopathy. Indication, surgical technique, and treatment success]. / Laterale knöcherne Orbitadekompression bei endokriner Orbitopathie. Indikation, Operationstechnik, Behandlungserfolg.

PURPOSE: In Graves' disease a discrepancy between volume increase of the orbital soft tissues and fixed volume of the orbital cavity leads to exophthalmos. The patients do not only feel cosmetically disfigured, they often complain about more or less painful retroorbital pressure sensation or show symptoms of compressive optic neuropathy or corneal exposure because of a significant lid lag. To solve this problem, different orbital decompression techniques have been developed. This is to report about our results with a modified Dollinger technique for lateral orbital decompression. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 27 patients aged 19-76 years (mean: 45.1 years) with Grave's ophthalmopathy were recorded who had undergone orbital decompression by a lateral approach between June 1999 and April 2003. The modified Dollinger technique was performed by deepening the osteotomy to the level of the sphenoid wing and by additional resection of intraconal fat. RESULTS: The reduction of exophthalmos achieved after decompressive surgery averaged 2.9 +/- 1.1 mm. Of the patients whose indication for orbital decompression was a compressive neuropathy, the visual acuity improved postoperatively for 3 lines. Of the 16 patients with preoperative retrobulbar pressure sensation, 12 had no complaints after the operation. Remarkably no significant impairment of the ocular motility resulted after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Decompression of the orbit by the modified Dollinger technique is a safe and effective approach to reduce exophthalmos, retrobulbar pressure sensation, and compression neuropathy as a result of diffusely elevated orbital tissue tension. In the case of direct compression of the optic nerve in the orbital apex, additional medial orbital wall decompression has to be considered.