Optic neuropathy following orbital irradiation for Graves' ophthalmopathy: a case report and literature review

Orbit. 2012 Feb;31(1):30-3. doi: 10.3109/01676830.2011.603458. Epub 2011 Oct 26.

Abstract

Radiation optic neuropathy (RON) is a devastating complication of radiotherapy to the anterior visual pathway resulting in acute, profound and sometimes irreversible visual loss. Cumulative doses of radiation that exceed 50 Gy or radiation fractions of greater than 2 Gy are usually required for RON to develop. Several factors, such as diabetes and pre-existing compression of the optic nerve, are associated with a higher risk for developing RON at lower doses of radiation. We report a case of presumed subacute RON following orbital irradiation for Graves' ophthalmopathy, successfully treated with megadoses of intravenous corticosteroids.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Graves Ophthalmopathy / radiotherapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / etiology*
  • Orbit / diagnostic imaging
  • Orbit / radiation effects*
  • Radiation Injuries / complications*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Young Adult