Steroid-Responsive Encephalopathy Associated With Autoimmune Thyroiditis Presenting With Parkinsonism

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Immunology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Steroid-responsive encephalopathy associated with autoimmune thyroiditis (SREAT) is a rare neurological condition.
• It is characterized by encephalopathy and positive antithyroid antibodies.

Observation:

• A 52-year-old woman presented with Parkinsonism linked to Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
• This presentation, though rare, highlights a potential neurological manifestation of autoimmune thyroid disease.

Findings:

• The patient demonstrated a significant positive response to corticosteroid treatment.
• Neurological symptoms, including Parkinsonism, showed marked improvement.

Implications:

• SREAT diagnosis can be challenging due to varied clinical presentations.
• Evaluating thyroid function and autoantibodies is crucial in acute/subacute encephalopathy cases.
• SREAT should be considered in elderly patients presenting with Parkinsonism due to its treatable nature and potential for significant neurological recovery.