RETROBULBAR REPOSITORY CORTICOSTEROID THERAPY IN THYROID OPHTHALMOPATHY

Abstract

Twenty patients with severe infiltrative thyroid ophthalmopathy have been treated with retrobulbar injections of Depo-Medrol; 19 patients have been followed. All patients gained prompt relief from local symptoms of irritation and lachrymation. This treatment appears to be of value in the management of thyroid ophthalmoplegia. However, it is probably not as effective as large doses of oral prednisone in rapidly progressive exophthalmos, although a major improvement in proptosis was seen in many patients. Cushingoid side effects were completely absent and the sole adverse response in 190 injections was one retrobulbar haemorrhage with no permanent sequelae. The safety and apparent efficacy of the treatment are such as to justify wider use and controlled trial.