The Effect of Colchicine on Thyroid Eye Disease: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is the most common extrathyroidal manifestation of Graves’ disease (GD). Corticosteroids are mostly used drug for this complication. Can colchicine be used for the treatment of Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO)? A 49-year-old female, who suffered hyperthyroidism for 5 years, was admitted to our clinic for GO. Although the euthyroidism was achieved, there was no improvement in orbitopathy. Because of the patient’s condition, we could not prescribe corticosteroids to our patient. TED improved after 3 months of colchicine treatment and the patient was found to be satisfied with her new appearance. No side effects related with colchicine treatment were observed. Colchicine can be used as an effective and safe drug in GO.