Imaging Evaluation of the Orbit in Graves Ophthalmopathy

ABSTRACT: Diagnosis of Graves ophthalmopathy is based on the typical eye signs and symptoms, the exclusion of other orbital pathologies and evidence of thyroid autoimmunity. We report the case of a non-smoker 61 years old woman, known with Graves disease, which performed a 3T MRI examination in order to evaluate the orbits. The MRI exam revealed eye protrusion, increased orbital fat with compression on the optic nerve and increased volume of the extraocular muscles. We concluded that MRI, using high-field 3T imaging techniques, is very important for diagnosis of these anomalies, making the differential diagnosis with other pathology and also providing additional information in the decision for therapy.