Graves’ ophthalmopathy

Abstract

Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy aka Graves’ orbitopathy (GO), represents the periocular component of Graves’ disease (GD), for which safe and effective therapies remain elusive. The central pathogenic event in GD is loss of immune tolerance to the thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) and generation of activating anti-TSHR antibodies. Recent evidence suggests that TSHR might collaborate with other proteins, such as the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor in the pathogenesis of GO. In this chapter we have attempted to review the most most recent insights into disease mechanisms underlying GO, strategies for evaluating patients, and currently available therapeutic strategies and those remedies that are in development.