The potential of magnetic resonance visualization of the orbits for diagnostics of endocrine ophthalmopathy

Abstract

The present study included a total of 22 patients (44 eyes/orbits) presenting with endocrine ophthalmopathy (EOP) and Graves' disease. All of them underwent routine ophthalmological examination. The activity and severity of EOP were verified in accordance with the EUGOGO recommendations. The MRI protocol included obtaining T1-, T2-weighted, and STIR sequence images of the orbits. quantitative measurement of signal intensity (SI) from extraocular muscles (EOM), and the signal intensity ratio of EOM to ipsilateral temporal muscle (SIR value). The study has revealed the relationship of the minimal, maximum, and average EOM SI with EOP activity and severity. Moreover, it demonstrated direct correlation between SIR and clinical activity of EOP. It is concluded that MRI of the orbits with STIR sequence in the patients suffering EOP provides the additional criteria for the verification of the activity and severity of the disease as well as for prognostication of the response to the immunosuppressive treatment.