The role of radiation therapy in Graves' ophthalmopathy

Graves' ophthalmopathy can occur in 25-30% of patients with hyperthyroidism. This condition can result in serious visual disturbance and disfigurement. The treatment options for symptomatic disease are oral corticosteroids or orbital irradiation. Ten patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy were treated with external beam radiotherapy at Saint Lukes Hospital from March 1991 to February 1994. Eight of these patients had excellent response with minimal morbidity. A dose of 2000 cGy in 10 fractions over 2 weeks is considered to be sufficient to alleviate symptoms in most patients. It is concluded that orbital radiotherapy is effective and well tolerated, and should replace corticosteroid therapy as the initial treatment modality in these patients. A minimum follo-up of 6 months is considered adequate for detecting radiation-induced complications. 7 refs., 1 fig