title: [Exophthalmos--what now?].
abstract: Exophthalmos is most commonly due to Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO), the most frequent extrathyroidal manifestation of Graves' disease. The clinical signs and symptoms of GO are the consequences of increased orbital connective and adipose tissue volume, and of interstitial enlargement of extraocular muscles, within the confines of the bony orbits. Diagnosis of GO is usually readily established by obtaining a careful history, detailed clinical examination of the thyroid gland, eyes and orbits, few laboratory tests and ultrasonography of the thyroid gland and the orbital contents. Additional procedures such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging are rarely needed. A team approach (general practitioner, endocrinologist, ophthalmologist) is essential to assure state-of-the-art management of patients with GO, and to properly select the best choices from a still limited range of therapeutic options.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung Gastroenterologie, Philipps-Universität, Marburg. heufeld@mailer.uni-marburg.de
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Heufelder
authors.forename: H D
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Schworm
mesh_terms: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005094:Exophthalmos / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006111:Graves Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009538:Nicotine / Q000009:adverse effects; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D016540:Smoking Cessation
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D009538:Nicotine; D008775:Methylprednisolone
vernacular_title: Exophthalmus--was nun?