Severe refractory TED presenting in pregnancy: vignettes of a multimodal approach

Abstract

Thyroid eye disease (TED) during pregnancy is a rare but potentially sight-threatening complication of Graves' disease (GD), which may be worsened by pregnancy. Severe TED may require urgent intervention, including surgical orbital decompression to prevent irreversible vision loss. We report a case of a woman in her 30s with severe TED secondary to GD, first presenting with GD at 20 weeks of gestation and then undergoing preterm elective delivery at 35+2 weeks to enable prompt surgical decompression. This case presents the unique challenges of managing severe sight-threatening TED during pregnancy and the multidisciplinary approach needed to carefully balance risks and optimise maternal and fetal outcomes.

Keywords: Eye; Otolaryngology / ENT; Thyroid disease.