Superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis: A rare complication of Graves’ orbitopathy

ABSTRACT

Superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis is a rare, life- and sight-threatening complication of both infectious and inflammatory orbital disease as well as hypercoagulable state. Only one case of superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis due to thyroid eye disease has been reported in the literature. This article describes the diagnosis and management of a case of superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis due to Graves’ orbitopathy. Early diagnosis is critical to facilitate timely therapeutic intervention. Superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute on chronic proptosis in the setting of Graves’ orbitopathy, and may represent and under-recognized and under-diagnosed clinical entity.

KEYWORDS:

• Thyroid eye disease
• Graves’ orbitopathy
• Graves’ ophthalmopathy
• superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis

Disclosure statement

There are no conflicts of interest or funding to disclose.