Irene P Stafford1, Gary A Dildy, Joseph M Miller. 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center; New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA. petrouia@yahoo.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Thyroid ophthalmopathy is a rare extrathyroidal complication most commonly associated with Graves' disease. The disease course ranges from mild to severe, with severe cases resulting in major visual impairment and facial disfigurement. CASE: A 22-year-old primigravida developed severe thyroid ophthalmopathy during pregnancy, requiring high-dose steroids and surgical orbital wall decompression to restore visual acuity. CONCLUSION: Severe thyroid ophthalmopathy can occur in the euthyroid pregnant patient. Corticosteroid therapy and surgical intervention may be required during pregnancy in this clinical scenario.
BACKGROUND:Thyroid ophthalmopathy is a rare extrathyroidal complication most commonly associated with Graves' disease. The disease course ranges from mild to severe, with severe cases resulting in major visual impairment and facial disfigurement. CASE: A 22-year-old primigravida developed severe thyroid ophthalmopathy during pregnancy, requiring high-dose steroids and surgical orbital wall decompression to restore visual acuity. CONCLUSION: Severe thyroid ophthalmopathy can occur in the euthyroid pregnant patient. Corticosteroid therapy and surgical intervention may be required during pregnancy in this clinical scenario.