Bilateral severe Graves’ ophthalmopathy exacerbated by Ethiopian folk medicine: A case report

Abstract

This case report discusses a 48-year-old Ethiopian patient with Graves’ ophthalmopathy who turned to an Ethiopian folk remedy involving medicinal smoke, leading to the exacerbation of Graves’ ophthalmopathy. Her condition deteriorated, resulting in severe visual impairment, proptosis, and spontaneous corneal perforation. This resulted in bilateral severe visual loss and evisceration of one eye. The case underscores the unique challenges of treating people of traditional cultures. Potential pathophysiological mechanisms are discussed. Physicians must be vigilant about patients’ use of traditional medicine.