Insights into the pathogenesis of thyroid-associated orbitopathy: evolving rationale for therapy.

A ttempts to understand the pathogenesis of thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO) have failed, in part because of confounding features associated with its variable clinical presentation. In the absence of a more complete insight into disease mechanisms, no specific and effective therapy can be developed. It is our view that much of the information necessary to unravel the complexities of TAO and therefore formulate rational therapy has already been gathered.