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Aetiology

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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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

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