The role of TSH-R in the initiation and propagation of TAO is supported by the close temporal relationship between the onset of ophthalmopathy and Graves' disease which is caused by stimulating anti-TSH-R antibodies [12], and the positive correlation between these antibodies and the prevalence of TAO in untreated Graves' disease [21]. This evidence concerns the gene TSHR and thromboangiitis obliterans.