Eye

Orbit & optic nerve

Dysthyroid ophthalmopathy



Last author update: 1 February 2014
Last staff update: 27 June 2020

Copyright: 2004-2024, PathologyOutlines.com, Inc.

PubMed Search: Dysthyroid ophthalmopathy [title]

Nat Pernick, M.D.
Page views in 2024 to date: 96
Cite this page: Pernick N. Dysthyroid ophthalmopathy. PathologyOutlines.com website. https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/eyeorbitdysthyroid.html. Accessed March 29th, 2024.
Definition / general
  • Most common cause of orbital disease and exophthalmos
  • Associated with hyperthyroidism or thyroid related treatment, although patient may be hyper, hypo or euthyroid at the time
  • Usually bilateral but may be unilateral
  • Most cases are not biopsied
Gross description
  • Marked enlargement of extraocular muscles
Clinical images

Images hosted on other servers:
Missing Image

Upper lid retraction and exophthalmos

Missing Image

Severe restriction of the inferior rectus and upgaze

Microscopic (histologic) description
  • Severe edema and chronic inflammation of orbital tissues
  • Degeneration and hyalinization of extraocular muscles with increase in interstitial connective tissue in muscles and other orbital tissue
Back to top
Image 01 Image 02