Severe Graves’ Ophthalmopathy Exacerbated by Traditional Ethiopian Folk Remedies: A Case Report
Author: Konstantin Gushansky
Base Hospital / Institution: Soroka University Medical Center
ePoster presentation
Abstract ID: 24-103
Purpose
This article explores a severe case of Graves’ ophthalmopathy exacerbated by traditional Ethiopian folk remedies involving ocular exposure to medicinal smokes, aiming to highlight the challenges in managing such cases and the complications arising from non-compliance with evidence-based treatment.
Methods
A detailed case report of a 48-year-old Ethiopian female psychologist with poorly controlled Graves’ Disease, multinodular goiter, and a history of conventional treatment in favor of traditional medicinal smokes is presented. Clinical manifestations, imaging findings, and treatment interventions are meticulously documented.
Results
The patient’s reliance on folk remedies led to a rapid and severe deterioration of her ocular condition, resulting in bilateral visual loss, proptosis, corneal perforation, and uveal prolapse. Despite hospitalization and proposed treatment regimens, including high-dose steroids, the patient refused systemic medications, ultimately necessitating unilateral evisceration.
Conclusion
This case highlights the challenges in managing patients from traditional cultures due to non-compliance with conventional medical treatment and a strong reliance on folk remedies. The lack of data on the specific relationship between medicinal smokes and Graves’ ophthalmopathy underscores the need for increased physician awareness regarding traditional medicine practices. Proactively inquiring about such practices is crucial to prevent potential complications and ensure appropriate medical care for patients with ocular disorders.
Additional Authors
| First name | Last name | Base Hospital / Institution |
|---|---|---|
| Oren | Iny | Soroka University Medical Center |
