Diagnosis of Graves’ orbitopathy: imaging methods, challenges, and new perspectives

Precise assessment of Graves` orbitopathy (GO) predicts therapeutic strategies. Various imaging techniques and different measurement methods are used, but there is a lack of standardization. Traditionally, the Clinical Activity Score (CAS) has been used for assessing GO, especially for evaluating disease activity to predict response to glucocorticoid (GC) therapy, but technological developments have led to a shift towards more objective imaging methods that offer accuracy. Imaging methods for Graves' orbitopathy assessment include ultrasonography (USG), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). These can be divided into those that assess disease activity (MRI, SPECT) and those that assess disease severity (USG, CT, MRI, SPECT). USG is the accessible first-aid tool that provides non-invasive imaging of orbital structures, with a short time of examination making it highly suitable for initial evaluation and monitoring of GO. It does have limitations, particularly in visualizing the apex of the orbit. Initially, orbital CT was thought to provide more accurate morphological information, particularly in extraocular muscles, and superior visualization of bone structures compared to MRI, making it the imaging modality of choice prior to planned orbital decompression; however, it has difficulty in accurately assessing the inflammatory activity stages of GO. Although CT offers a better view of deeper-lying tissue, it is limited by radiation exposure. MRI is best suited for follow-up examinations because it offers superior soft tissue visualization and precise tissue differentiation. However, it is not specific for orbital changes, the examination is very expensive, and it is rarely available. Recent literature proposes that nuclear medicine imaging techniques may be the best discipline for assessing GO. SPECT fused with low-dose CT scans is now used to increase the diagnostic value of the investigation. It provides functional information on top of the anatomical images. The use of cost-effective radioisotope - technetium-99m (99mTc)-DTPA - gives great diagnostic results with short examination time, low radiation exposure, and satisfactory spatial resolution. Nowadays, 36 years after CAS development and with technological improvement, researchers aim to integrate artificial intelligence tools with SPECT/CT imaging to diagnose and stage GO activity more effectively.