Graves ophthalmopathy with orbital apex crowding

Case contributed by Shervin Sharifkashani
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Remarkable bilateral proptosis and blurred vision. History of Graves ophthalmopathy.

Patient Data

Age: 60 years
Gender: Male

Remarkable bilateral proptosis, large prolapsed lacrimal glands, and enlarged extraocular muscles most prominently in the superior, medial, and inferior rectus muscles,  with impression on the optic nerves on both sides, especially in the orbital apex.
Thickened mucosa in paranasal sinuses.

Case Discussion

This case illustrates how the enlarged extraocular muscles in the orbital apex can exert pressure on the optic nerves via orbital apex crowding, thus threatening visual acuity. This is in addition to proptosis, caused by proliferation of intraorbital fat.

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