title: MR T2 relaxation time for the assessment of retrobulbar inflammation in Graves' ophthalmopathy.
abstract: The results of 39 patients with severe Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO), who were monitored by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and tonography before and after combined immunosuppressive treatment with cyclosporine and corticosteroids, are presented. A correlation was found between the decrease in T2 relaxation time of the superior, medial, and inferior rectus muscle (p < 0.01) and the response to the immunosuppressive treatment. Muscle thickness and intraocular pressure showed less improvement (p < 0.05). The infiltrative eye signs improved partially in correlation with the T2 relaxation time. By distinguishing inflammation of the extraorbital muscles from fibrosis, the T2 relaxation time can help to select patients that benefit from immunosuppressive treatment as well as to monitor the therapeutic effect.
authors.affiliation: University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria 61606, USA.
authors.forename: C I
authors.initials: CI
authors.lastname: Utech
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Khatibnia
authors.forename: P F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Winter
authors.forename: K G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Wulle
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006111:Graves Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy; D007249:Inflammation / Q000473:pathology; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009801:Oculomotor Muscles / Q000473:pathology; D009915:Orbit / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D016572:Cyclosporine