Early surgery in dysthyroid orbitomyopathy based on MRI findings

Abstract

The value of MRI in the determination of the fibrotic phase and hence in indication for early surgery was investigated. Included in the study were 13 patients with the complaint of dysthyroid orbitopathy who had vertical deviation in excess of 20 pd and associated diplopia in the primary position. These 13 patients, who clinically had constant primary position diplopia and whose MRI results showed no edema, were determined to be in the fibrotic phase. Diplopia disappeared by surgery in 12 out of the 13 patients. MRI was evaluated as a reliable method for the determination of the fibrotic state of the oculomotor muscles and being quite significant for the decision of the application of an anticipated surgery regardless of the stabilization period.