Rituximab shows potential as salvage therapy in refractory thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy

This retrospective study included six patients with severe, progressive corticosteroid-resistant thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy treated with anti-CD20 (Rituximab). Four of the six developed dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) prior to treatment. After a mean follow-up of six months, orbital inflammation and DON improved in all six patients. No one experienced disease relapse, and proptosis remained stable. While the authors urge caution, they conclude these data justify further study.