PURPOSE: The aim is therefore to study the frequency of tendon enlargment in Graves' ophthalmopathy, seeking to estabilish its clinical correlations. Clinical and laboratory diversity in Graves' Ophthalmopathy sometimes may mislead its diagnosis. Radiological findings are more reliable for the diagnosis of Graves' Ophthalmopathy. Since then, a number of patterns have been described. Extraocular muscle involvement in this pathology is considered as always sparing the tendons. In 2004, Ben Simon described extraocular muscles tendon enlargment in some patients with diplopia in Graves' orbitopathy. METHODS: 20 patients, aged between 20 and 80 years, of both sexes, designated as benign (eyelid retraction), intermediate(diplopia in primary sight position) and malignant or infiltrative(signs of optic nerve compromise) forms were evaluated by orbital tomography. All patients had already been euthyroidean for at least one year. Tomographic patterns were studied and divided into two groups: with or without extraocular muscle tendons enlargment. RESULTS: Statistically significant relationship was found between tendon enlargment and intermediate form (p<0.012). CONCLUSION: Extraocular tendon involvement present in 30% of the patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy, and is positively correlated to intermediary form of the disease, characterized by diplopia, a very important clinical landmark.
Graves, ophthalmopathy; Tomography, x-ray computed; Exophthalmos; Orbit
