Severe Graves' ophthalmopathy in pregnancy.

Abstract

Thyroid ophthalmopathy is a rare extrathyroidal complication most commonly associated with Graves' disease. The disease course ranges from mild to severe, with severe cases resulting in major visual impairment and facial disfigurement. A 22-year-old primigravida developed severe thyroid ophthalmopathy during pregnancy, requiring high-dose steroids and surgical orbital wall decompression to restore visual acuity. Severe thyroid ophthalmopathy can occur in the euthyroid pregnant patient. Corticosteroid therapy and surgical intervention may be required during pregnancy in this clinical scenario.