Injection of methylprednisolone directly into the extraocular muscles of eyes with disturbed motility secondary to Graves’ opthalmopathy. Preliminary report

Abstract

Aim of the study was to estimate the efficacy of 6-α-methylprednisolone injection into involved extraocular muscles in eyes with motility disturbances caused by endocrine ophthalmopathy. Material and methods. For further evaluation we qualified 4 patients, 1 female and 3 males, aged: 60, 43, 42 and 64 years, with clinical activity score equal 4, with duration of Graves’ ophthalmopathy of mean 2.1 years (0.16-5.5). Included were patients with movement restrictions in vertical plane and echographic findings of isolated extraocular muscle involvement (inferior rectus). Each of the patients received 20 mg 6-α-methylprednisolone into the muscle belly of inferior rectus, in one case injection was done in both eyes.
Results. In all cases we were able to archive lessening of the intraocular pressure in secondary position, with slight improvement in ocular motility and bigger range of duction free of diplopia.
Conclusions. Visual function improvement found by the patients is the best evidence for application of 6-α-methylprednisolone into the extraocular muscles of patients with motility disturbances secondary to endocrine ophthalmopathy.