[Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy: physiopathology, endocrine status].

The pathogenesis of Graves' ophthalmopathy remains uncertain. An inflammatory reaction is well established in orbital tissues in Graves' thyrotoxicosis. This inflammation is associated with antithyroid antibody action, but is not systematic in autoimmune hyperthyroidism patients. If ocular manifestations are pathognomonic for Graves' disease they can present in association with euthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Ophthalmopathy factors could be genetically determined but environmental parameters such as smoking and stress may also be involved, supporting the hypothesis that the autoimmune process in this ocular inflammation could be modulated in each patient based on personal and environmental factors.