[Management of Graves' ophthalmopathy by using orbital magnetic resonance imaging].

Orbital magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can visualize the inflamed lesions of Graves' ophthalmopathy(GO). Parasagittal, transverse and coronal sections of T1-weighted, T2-weighted and short inversion time inversion recovery(STIR) images correlate clinical manifestations with the location of the inflamed lesions. In addition, the measurement of T2 relaxation time or signal intensity ratio of the enlarged muscles in T2-weighted fat suppression images or STIR images provide a precise quantitative evaluation of disease activity and may predict the outcome of immunosuppressive therapy for GO. Thus, MRI is useful for decision-making regarding immunosuppressive therapy and prompt surgery for GO. Therefore, we recommend MRI as a useful tool for the management of GO in specialized clinics.