ASSOCIATION OF THYROID-DISEASE WITH RETINITIS-PIGMENTOSA AND GYRATE ATROPHY

PURPOSE: To compare the prevalence of thyroid disease in patients with retinitis pigmentosa, in patients with gyrate atrophy of the choroid and retina, and in patients with no history of ocular disease. METHOD: Forty four patients with retinitis pig mentosa, 34 patients with gyra te atrophy, and 30 normal control patients with no ocular disease were evaluated in a case control study for the presence of thyroid disease . RESULTS: Thyroid disease was diagnosed in six of 44 patients with re tinitis pigmentosa and seven of 34 patients with gyrate atrophy but in only one of 30 control patients. Compared with control patients, the odds ratio for the occurrence of thyroid disease was 6.2 for patients with retinitis pigmentosa and 12.7 for patients with gyrate atrophy. C ONCLUSION: These data suggest an increased occurrence of thyroid disea se in patients with retinitis pigmentosa and gyrate atrophy.