The Eponymy of Exophthalmos Associated with Thyroid Disease

The association of hyperthyroidism with exophthalmos is not uniformly recognized by the eponym “Graves’ disease.” Depending upon where a physician trained and practices, exophthalmic goiter may be referred to as Parry’s disease, Graves’ disease, von Basedow’s disease (morbus Basedow), or the Merseburg triad. All of these eponyms have a sound historical basis.