Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT882

Introduction: Thyroid Orbitopathy (TO), also referred to as Graves’ Orbitopathy (GO), is a complex and impactful complication of Graves’ disease (GD). Limited data from Albania highlight the need for a deeper understanding of its presentation and management.

Aim: This 10-year retrospective study conducted at a tertiary referral center in Albania analyses the clinical features, diagnostic challenges, and treatment approaches for GO to enhance disease understanding and improve management strategies.

Methods: Data were systematically collected from 178 patients referred for GO evaluation and treatment over a decade. Patient demographics and clinical characteristics were documented using the European Group on Graves’ Orbitopathy (EUGOGO) protocol. Cases were categorized as bilateral (asymmetric or symmetric) or unilateral GO, and clinical features were analyzed to identify distinguishing patterns.

Results: Among 178 patients with GO, the mean age was 44.9 ±14.9 years. Bilateral GO was most common (72.5%), followed by unilateral (17%) and unilateral-to-bilateral (10.5%). Asymmetric GO was observed in 30.9% of bilateral cases. GO onset was often concurrent with GD, with female predominance (72.5%). Mild GO was present in 48%, while 52% had moderate to severe forms. Local treatment was effective for mild cases, while 80% of moderate/severe cases responded positively to intravenous glucocorticoids. Hypothyroidism was a significant risk factor for GO activation.

Conclusion: Clinical management should prioritize the overall presentation of GO, emphasizing individualized treatment approaches. Hypothyroidism was identified as a key risk factor for GO activation, highlighting the need for careful thyroid function management to mitigate disease progression.