Hyperthyroidism, exophthalmos, and goiter: historical notes on the orbitopathy.
BACKGROUND
Exophthalmos associated with goiter and/or symptoms of hyperthyroidism have been known since antiquity. It was not until around 1800 that a number of studies described this disorder in more detail.


CONCLUSIONS
For many years the nature of the disease remained unclear and it was appreciated as either a cardiac or neurological disease. There was no agreement on treatment. Surgery on the thyroid, orbit, autonomous nerve system, and pituitary has been employed. Medical treatment was introduced around World War II. Later, as a consequence of the discovery of long-acting thyroid stimulator, it became apparent that Graves-Basedow's disease was an autoimmune disease and so was the exophthalmos, though many details of the pathophysiology remain in doubt.


CONCLUSIONS
This article presents a brief review of the history of the exophthalmos associated with thyroid disease.
Lindholm
Jorgen
J
Department of Endocrinology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark.
Laurberg
Peter
P
D005094:Exophthalmos / Q000266:history*; D006042:Goiter / Q000266:history*; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000266:history*