Current insights of applying MRI in Graves’ ophthalmopathy

Abstract

Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) is an autoimmune disease related to Grave’s disease (GD). The therapeutic strategies for GO patients are based on precise assessment of the activity and severity of the disease. However, the current assessment systems require development to accommodate updates in treatment protocols. As an important adjunct examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help physicians evaluate GO more accurately. With the continuous updating of MRI technology and the deepening understanding of GO, the assessment of this disease by MRI has gone through a stage from qualitative to precise quantification, making it possible for clinicians to monitor the microstructural changes behind the eyeball and better integrate clinical manifestations with pathology. In this review, we use orbital structures as a classification to combine pathological changes with MRI features. We also review some MRI techniques applied to GO clinical practice, such as disease classification and regions of interest selection.

Application of Multiparameter Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Evaluation of Graves' Ophthalmopathy

“…5 Compared with CT or ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has important advantages such as nonionizing radiation, high inherent soft tissue contrast, better reflection of tissue water content, and the ability to quantify multiple parameters. 7 In recent years, studies have been performed using orbital MRI to quantitatively analyze GO patients. [8][9][10][11][12][13] Currently, the most commonly used imaging sequences are short-tau inversion recovery (STIR), 7,10,11,13 T2 mapping, 8,9 and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI).…”

“…7 In recent years, studies have been performed using orbital MRI to quantitatively analyze GO patients. [8][9][10][11][12][13] Currently, the most commonly used imaging sequences are short-tau inversion recovery (STIR), 7,10,11,13 T2 mapping, 8,9 and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). [14][15][16] Orbital MRI has enabled accurate quantification and can reflect the inflammation, steatosis, fibrosis and other pathological changes of GO.…”

“…[14][15][16] Orbital MRI has enabled accurate quantification and can reflect the inflammation, steatosis, fibrosis and other pathological changes of GO. 7,8,[10][11][12] The microstructural changes of the ocular soft tissue can be detected earlier and more accurately and can be monitored over time. 17,18 Calculation of orbital soft tissue volume using 3D reconstruction of MRI data 19 has been shown to be both reliable and accurate, but the relationships between imaging parameters and GO disease activity and severity have not been fully explored.…”

“…Compared with CT or ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has important advantages such as nonionizing radiation, high inherent soft tissue contrast, better reflection of tissue water content, and the ability to quantify multiple parameters 7 . In recent years, studies have been performed using orbital MRI to quantitatively analyze GO patients 8–13 .…”

“…Currently, the most commonly used imaging sequences are short‐tau inversion recovery (STIR), 7,10,11,13 T2 mapping, 8,9 and diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) 14–16 . Orbital MRI has enabled accurate quantification and can reflect the inflammation, steatosis, fibrosis and other pathological changes of GO 7,8,10–12 . The microstructural changes of the ocular soft tissue can be detected earlier and more accurately and can be monitored over time 17,18 .…”