Surgical management of dysthyroid diplopia with preservation of the anterior ciliary vascularization: review of ten cases.

PURPOSE: During the surgical correction of dysthyroid diplopia, the risk of ischemia by transection of the anterior ciliary arteries is well-known. In order to avoid this, we modified the classical surgical technique: (1) through the preservation of the vascular pedicles during muscle recession and (2) if necessary, through a plication (instead of a resection) of the ipsilateral antagonist muscle. The objective to be achieved is thus the resolution of the diplopia without ischemic complications.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We report a prospective series of 10 patients with dysthyroid ophthalmopathy, causing strabismic diplopia, all operated on by the same surgeon (BR) after at least 12 months of euthyroidism. Data collection included: history of previous decompressive surgery, surgical procedure, and oculomotor status before and after surgery.

RESULTS: Ten patients (8 females), aged 51 to 74 years (mean age, 58.00 ± 7.62 years), were collected between 2008 and 2012. All patients had one or more vascular risk factors (diabetes, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure). With a follow-up from 16 to 67 months (mean ± SD 27.7 months ± 14.87), surgical outcomes were excellent: diplopia was cured in all cases, with recovery of stereoscopic vision. We had no operative or postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS: The technique of preservation of the anterior ciliary vascularization, which is particularly justified for these fragile patients, is compatible with moderate muscle recessions. For larger deviations, in which a larger recession might increase the proptosis, it is possible to add a plication of the ipsilateral antagonist. This surgical technique made possible the suppression of the diplopia in all cases.