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04:39
Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model
Published on: March 17, 2023
Hashimoto encephalopathy: a rare intricate syndrome
Juraj Payer1, Tomas Petrovic, Lubomir Lisy
1Clinic of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Faculty Hospital Ruzinov, Bratislava, Slovakia.
International Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism
|July 12, 2013
Summary
Hashimoto encephalopathy (HE) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by encephalopathy and high thyroid antibody levels. Prompt corticosteroid treatment often leads to significant recovery in patients with HE.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Hashimoto encephalopathy (HE) presents with diverse neurological symptoms and elevated thyroid antibodies.
- The exact pathogenesis is unclear, but brain vasculitis and autoimmunity against shared brain-thyroid antigens are suspected.
- Thyroid function is typically normal or low, rarely elevated.
Observation:
- Common clinical manifestations include seizures, confusion, cognitive impairment, and stroke-like episodes.
- High levels of thyroid antibodies, particularly thyroperoxidase antibodies (TPOab), are a hallmark.
- Diagnostic tools include cerebrospinal fluid analysis, EEG, MRI, SPECT, and neuropsychological testing.
Findings:
- HE cases often exhibit gradual onset of neurological symptoms, though acute presentations occur.
- Corticosteroid therapy typically results in dramatic clinical improvement.
- A review of recent literary cases highlights the varied presentations and treatment outcomes.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and treatment of HE with corticosteroids can significantly improve patient outcomes.
- Understanding the autoimmune basis of HE may lead to novel therapeutic strategies.
- Further research into the specific autoantigens involved could refine diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
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