Hashimoto's Encephalopathy Presenting as an Acute Medical Emergency

Three cases are described of a reversible encephalopathy, all presenting with marked neurological disturbance. In all three, the diagnosis was not clear at the time of presentation but eventually it was felt all of the cases were consistent with Hashimoto's encephalopathy. The diagnosis of Hash...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Scottish medical journal 2004-11, Vol.49 (4), p.155-156
Main Authors: Sommerfield, A J, Stimson, R, Campbell, IW
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Anti-Inflammatory Agents - therapeutic use
Brain Diseases, Metabolic - diagnosis
Brain Diseases, Metabolic - drug therapy
Brain Diseases, Metabolic - etiology
Diagnosis, Differential
Female
Headache - etiology
Humans
Seizures - etiology
Steroids - therapeutic use
Thyroiditis, Autoimmune - complications
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Summary:Three cases are described of a reversible encephalopathy, all presenting with marked neurological disturbance. In all three, the diagnosis was not clear at the time of presentation but eventually it was felt all of the cases were consistent with Hashimoto's encephalopathy. The diagnosis of Hashimoto's encephalopathy should be considered in any case of unexplained encephalopathy. Common features are high anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody titres, an abnormal EEC and an elevated CSF protein concentration. The encephalopathy is independent of thyroid hormonal status. Treatment with corticosteroids leads to a prompt resolution of symptoms and long term low dose steroid therapy prevents further neurological recurrence
ISSN:0036-9330
2045-6441
DOI:10.1177/003693300404900414