Osteopathic manipulative treatment in improving symptoms and quality of life in patients with Graves’ ophthalmopathy: A case report

Background

Graves' Disease (GD) is an autoimmune disorder, with ∼50% of GD patients developing Graves’ Ophthalmopathy (GO). Common presentations include lid retraction, exophthalmos, disfigurement, ocular pain, and pressure. Treatment of GD depends on disease severity, ranging from artificial tears to ocular surgeries. Patients with GO symptoms experience a decreased quality of life (QoL) and could benefit from additional treatment options.

Objective

This case report describes the use of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) as an adjunct to standard care for a patient with symptomatic GO, and measurement of treatment response with a standardized QoL assessment tool.

Clinical features

Clinical evaluation of a patient with GO showed clinical activity score to be 4 with oppressive feeling behind globes, hyperemia, and eyelid edema. Corneal displacement measured by Hertel exophthalmometer indicated increased proptosis. CT scan showed enlarged extraocular muscles bilaterally, with signs of edema in retrobulbar fat. Visual acuity and optic nerves were within normal limits.

Intervention and outcomes

This case report demonstrates the use of OMT in long-term reduction of ocular pain and pressure by relieving orbital myofascial tension along with improving ocular circulation, in a patient with GO. Using the European Group On Graves’ Orbitopathy QoL questionnaire, the patient noted better quality of life (93, 81.3 for pretreatment visual and appearance scores, respectively, and 100, 87.5 for post-treatment visual and appearance scores, respectively) and perceived reduced exophthalmos.

Conclusions

Providing OMT as a cost effective, non-invasive treatment option for GO symptoms could meet a significant need for GO patients and warrants further study.