Treatment for Malignant Exophthalmos with or without Thyroid Abnormality by Kampo, Japanese Traditional Medicine

Abstract

Two cases of malignant exophthalmos, one with and the other without thyroid abnormality, were treated with Kampo, Japanese traditional medicine. Case 1-62 years old female complained of exophthalmos (r 23mm, l 22mm), visual disturbance (visual acuity r 0.1, l 0.5), total ophthalmoplegia, hyperemia and edema of the eye lids and conjunctiva without thyroid function abnormality, was treated by the administration of Ryokeijutsukanto and Tokishakuyakusan without any other medications. Seven days after the administration, the exophthalmos was reduced (r 21mm, l 20mm), the visual acuity improved (r 0.6, l 0.7), the hyperemia and edema of the eye lids and conjunctiva almost disappeared and the eye movement improved toward normal. Case 2-66 years old male complained of exopthalmos, ophthalmoplegia, hyperemia and edema of the eye lids and conjunctiva with euthyroid Graves' disease was treated by the administration of Ryokeijutsukanto and Tokishakuyakusan followed by improvement of the visual acuity and the eye movement, and reduction of the hyperemia and edema of the eye lids and conjunctiva.These observations suggest that treatment with Kampo can be effective in malignant exophthalmos with or without thyroid abnormality.