Springer, Journal of Endocrinological Investigation, 4(38), p. 481-487, 2015
DOI: 10.1007/s40618-015-0257-z
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IntroductionGraves’ disease is the most frequent form of hyperthyroidism in iodine sufficient countries [1], and Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) is its most important and common extrathyroidal manifestation [2], affecting about 25 % of patients [3]. Although GO is generally mild and rarely progressive [4], thyroid dysfunction, both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, can influence its course. GO has been reported to improve after correction of hyperthyroidism with antithyroid drug (ATD) treatment [5], or to occur or worsen after a period of uncontrolled hypothyroidism [6]. Accordingly, the European Group on Graves’ Orbitopathy (EUGOGO) Consensus Statement few years ago recommended that restoration and maintenance of euthyroidism are priorities in Graves’ disease patients with GO [7]. How to treat hyperthyroidism when GO is present is, however, a challenging dilemma [8]. Are current modalities for hyperthyroidism [ATDs, radioiodine (RAI), thyroidectomy] per se capable to affect the course of G ...