Recent progress in Graves' ophthalmopathy

Abstract

Pathogenesis of Graves' ophthalmopathy remains enigmatic, but recently the role of adhesion molecules and cytokines in initiating or perpetuating the cascade of events has been proposed. Although Graves' ophthalmopathy is likely due to autoimmune reactions directed to antigens shared by thyroid and orbit, the nature of the antigens and their cellular localization in the retroor-bital tissue remain elusive. The natural course of Graves' ophthalmopathy is incompletely understood, but treatment of associated hyperthyroidism may influence it. Treatment of the disease is often unsatisfactory, and ongoing studies are looking for innovative therapeutic approaches based on pathogenetic mechanisms of Graves' ophthalmopathy.