Immune-related visual dysfunction in thyroid eye disease: a combined orbital and brain neuroimaging study

ConclusionsCombined orbital and brain neuroimaging revealed abnormalities of the VPS in TED, which had a close correlation with immune statuses. Vision-related brain regions in TED might be possibly altered by peripheral immunity via a direct or indirect approach.Clinical relevance statementThe discovery of this study explained the disparity of visual dysfunction in TED patients with different immune statuses. With the uncovered neuroimaging markers, early detection and intervention of visual dysfunction could be achieved and potentially benefit TED patients.Key Points•Patients with different immune statuses of thyroid eye disease varied in the presentation of visual dysfunction.•The combined orbital and brain neuroimaging study identified six altered vision-related brain regions, which had a significant correlation with the MRI parameters of the intraorbital optic nerve and immunological characteristics.•Peripheral immunity might possibly give rise to alterations in the central nervous system part of the visual processing system via a direct or indirect approach.
Source: European Radiology - Category: Radiology Source Type: research