Summary
Thyroid eye disease (TED) is the most common extra-thyroidal manifestation in Graves’ disease (GD). Additional/concurrent/synchronous pathologies may be present, especially in elderly patients who present with atypical features such as non-axial (or eccentric) proptosis, absence of lid lag and restricted superior extra-ocular movements. A 70-year-old female presented with progressive proptosis of her left eye and diplopia. She was diagnosed with GD a year prior and initiated on carbimazole. On examination, she had eccentric proptosis, restricted superior extra-ocular movements and a palpable mass in the supero-temporal quadrant of the left eye. Her T3 (1.33 ng/mL) and T4 (8.85 µg/dL) were normal with carbimazole. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)-receptor antibody was positive (3.15 IU/L, reference range <1.75). MRI revealed an enhancing lesion infiltrating the left superior rectus, with concurrent characteristic muscle belly involvement bilaterally. Orbital biopsy showed atypical lymphoid cells (CD20+), suggesting marginal zone lymphoma. CT thorax and abdomen, fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography and bone marrow examination were normal. The patient was administered orbital radiotherapy for her localised lymphoma and carbimazole was continued. TED is the most common cause of orbital involvement overall and in GD. However, additional or alternative pathology may be present which requires evaluation. MRI can be a useful adjunct in these patients. Orbital lymphoma needs to be staged with workup for disseminated disease. Radiotherapy is the treatment of choice for localized disease. The index case provides evidence for synchronous presentation of dual pathology and highlights the importance of astute clinical examination as well as keeps a low threshold for MRI in selected cases.
Learning points
Thyroid eye disease can co-exist with other ocular pathology, especially in elderly individuals.
Eccentric proptosis, absent lid lag and restriction of eye movements (suggesting tendon involvement) should alert towards the presence of alternative pathology.
Orbital imaging using MRI not only has greater sensitivity in diagnosing radiologically bilateral disease in patients who have unilateral involvement clinically but is also useful to identify concurrent neoplasms.
Thyroid hormone exerts effects across all organ systems. Hence, patients with thyroid dysfunction are at a risk of numerous complications. The stresses encountered during the perioperative period may exacerbate underlying thyroid disorders, potentially precipitating decompensation, and even death. Thus, it is of the utmost importance for the clinician to comprehend the mechanisms by which thyroid disease may complicate surgery and postoperative recovery and to optimize the status of thyrotoxic and hypothyroid patients. This article describes the adverse effects of thyroid dysfunction in patients undergoing nonthyroid surgery and recommends treatment approaches aimed at appropriate build-up to decrease perioperative risk.
We report a short-statured, young man in his 20s presenting with bilateral cataract, recurrent kidney stones, history of refractory rickets and bone deformity. He had been consuming calcium and vitamin D supplements and had been operated for cataract and renal stone disease, prior to reporting in our clinic without any significant laboratory or clinical improvement. The patient was diagnosed as having Fanconi’s syndrome attributable to Wilson’s disease. This patient highlights that in case of resistant rickets, a high index of suspicion must be invoked for Wilson’s disease. Timely recognition of this entity results in prompt ministrations and prevention of disability.
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