Thyroid associated ophthalmopathy (TAO)
	Inflammatory activity of thyroid associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) was evaluated by Oliveira and collaborators (São Paulo, Brazil) using clinical criteria and magnetic resonance imaging MRI). Twenty-six patients (52 orbits), all females, aged between 20 and 55y, with a past history of TAO between 3 months to 15 years were subdivided, using clinical criteria, in GrI = active TAO disease (n = 29) and GrII = fibrotic TAO disease (n = 23). The intensity of the MRI signal was evaluated in the orbital muscles in the T2 mode. A coefficient was established between those signals and the white cerebral substance. There was a significant increase of the coefficient for the orbital muscles when the patient was considered to be in an active phase of TAO. This method could be useful to follow-up the instituted therapeutic measures for each individual subject. Euthyroid thyroid associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) in five patients was reported by Santos et al.(Campinas, Brazil). All patients had a normal thyroid volume as evaluated by ultrasound, in contrast with previous studies on this particular subject. CAT scan of the orbital region indicated expressive diffuse thickening of the orbital muscles in three patients. The results of clinical data and laboratory results are summarized in table 1. It was concluded that the CAT scan is an useful tool to establish the diagnosis in euthyroid TAO. Table 1 Age yr Sex Proptosis RE/LE ATA CAS TSH µU/mL FT4 ng/dL T3 ng/mL TRAb U/mL TPOAb TgAb 1 36 F 18/19 mm 2c 6 4.0 1.0 121 0 Positive Positive 2 38 F 18/16 mm 2b 5 4.0 0.8 100 4 Positive Positive 3 57 F 24/20 mm 4a 6 0.5 1.8 170 7 Positive Positive 4 56 M 17/27 mm 4a 6 2.5 1.1 138 0 Negative Negative 5 58 M 24/20 mm 3a 6 1.3 1.4 150 4 Negative Negative A new technique for orbital decompression in patients with TAO was presented by Manso and co-workers (Sào Paulo, Brazil). Patients (n = 7) in the fibrotic phase of TAO (not active) were submitted to decompression to reduce anterior exposure of the ocular globe. A titanium mini plate is inserted in the orbit wall to permit further posterior movement of the globe. The surgical procedure was well tolerated, without major complications or sequelae (diplopia).