aetiology
Last reviewed 01/2018
Exophthalmos is present in 85% of patients with primary thyrotoxicosis - particularly Grave's Disease. It is due to oedema and actual increase in mass of the orbital fat, together with some fibrosis.
Exophthalmos may occasionally be the sequel to thyroid- pituitary dysfunction.
Bilateral causes:
- Grave's disease
Unilateral causes:
- Grave's disease
- cavernous sinus thrombosis
- pseudotumours of the orbit
- carotid-cavernous fistula
- tumour (benign, eg dermoid or malignant)
- capillary haemangioma
- orbital cellulitis
- sinus mucocoele