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Hashimoto's encephalopathy cases: Chinese experience
Yi Tang1, Yi Xing, Michael T Lin
1Department of Neurology, Xuan Wu Hospital, Capital Medical University, 45 Changchun Street, Beijing 100053, People's Republic of China.
BMC Neurology
|July 26, 2012
Summary
Hashimoto's encephalopathy, a neurological disorder, often improves with steroids, though some patients benefit from other treatments. Early diagnosis is crucial for managing this reversible condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Hashimoto's encephalopathy (HE) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by diverse symptoms and elevated antithyroid antibodies.
- The syndrome's clinical, laboratory, and imaging features require further elucidation, particularly in diverse populations.
Observation:
- A retrospective analysis of 13 Chinese patients with HE was conducted between 2005 and 2010.
- Cognitive impairment and psychiatric symptoms were prevalent, while seizures and myoclonus were less common than previously reported.
Findings:
- Steroid therapy led to recovery or improvement in 6 out of 8 patients, with some experiencing relapse.
- Three patients (23.1%) exhibited hippocampal or temporal lobe abnormalities on MRI, correlating with neurological deficits.
- Five patients not treated with steroids showed varied outcomes, including stable remission with supportive care or continued deterioration.
Implications:
- Hashimoto's encephalopathy often responds well to steroid treatment, highlighting its potential reversibility.
- The study underscores the importance of including HE in the differential diagnosis for central nervous system disorders.
- Further research is needed to fully understand HE's pathophysiology and optimize treatment strategies.
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