Treatment of Graves' ophthalmopathy with an in-house Phosphorus-32 source: Initial clinical observations
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- Published online on: August 9, 2017 https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2017.4911
- Pages: 2795-2800
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Copyright: © Hao et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.
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Abstract
The objective of the present study was to observe the therapeutic effect of radiation delivered via a 32P source on Graves' ophthalmopathy. A32P solution was injected into a 10‑ml vacuum flask held inside a lead container. A window was cut in the lead, generating a treatment beam. Radiation was given to four areas: The upper and lower orbit (covering ~1/3 of the eyelid) and the inner and outer canthus. Each site received 10 daily doses of 20 cGy. Proptosis was measured by an exophthalmometer and the palpebral aperture was determined with a ruler. Measurements were taken before and after the treatment. After 5 days of treatment, the patient displayed a significant improvement, and by 10 days, the average reduction of proptosis in Graves' ophthalmopathy was 3.36±1.73 mm for the left and 3.05±2.04 mm for the right eyes. The treatment was effective in all patients, who uniformly reported rapid pain relief. Conjunctival congestion and eyelid edema also improved significantly. However, only 50% of patients showed improved diplopia after treatment, which was poor compared with other symptoms. No obvious side effects were found in the subsequent follow‑up. In conclusion, 32P brachytherapy for Graves' ophthalmopathy was simple and effective, with few side effects, and should be considered as a promising therapy.
