Study first to examine TED manifestations in Black, Hispanic populations

In the first study to examine manifestations and severity of thyroid eye disease (TED) in a primarily Black and Hispanic patient population, researchers found overall higher rates of proptosis, extraocular muscle restriction, and optic neuropathy than in Caucasian populations, according to a presentation at ASOPRS 52nd Annual Fall Scientific Symposium.

In this retrospective cross-sectional study, the electronic medical records of 99 patients with TED (49.4% Black, 39.1% Hispanic, 9.2% Caucasian, 2.3% Asian) were reviewed. Most patients (78%) were women, and the mean age was 51 years.

Thyroid status included hyperthyroidism in 90.4%, hypothyroidism in 7.5%, and euthyroidism in 2.1%. A quarter of patients were current smokers and 14% were former smokers; these rates are higher than the US average. Manifestations included proptosis in 91%, eyelid retraction in 81%, extraocular muscle restriction in 69%, eyelid edema in 34%, chemosis in 17%, and optic neuropathy in 13%.

Most patients had moderate to severe disease (65%) followed by mild disease in 22% and sight-threatening disease in 13%. Statin use was associated with increased severity.

The researchers found that older patients had increased rates of optic neuropathy and younger patients had increased rates of proptosis.

“Understanding these differences can aid in making more swift and accurate diagnoses, thereby improving patient outcomes,” the study authors concluded.

Reference
Tingley J, Goldstein T, Mostowy M, et al. Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) Manifestations in a Primarily Black and Hispanic Population. Presented at: ASOPRS 52nd Annual Fall Scientific Symposium.