[Autoimmune hypothyroidism]

Most of the acquired hypothyroidisms are related to chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis which reduce the functional thyroid parenchyma, determine acquired organification disorders or rarely generation of blocking anti-TSH receptor antibodies. In subjects with genetic predisposition, autoimmunization against the thyroid involves recognition of thyroid antigens, cooperation between B and T lymphocytes and production of cytokines. Biologic markers of antithyroid autoimmune disorders are now widely available. Nevertheless therapeutic approach of autoimmune hypothyroidisms is still symptomatic: thyroid hormone is able to correct hypothyroidism, to reduce the volume of goiter if present and also to lower the biological evidence of thyroid autoimmunity.