Hashimoto Encephalopathy as a Complication of Autoimmune Thyroiditis

Med Princ Pract. 2019;28(1):91-95. doi: 10.1159/000494800. Epub 2018 Oct 24.

Abstract

Objective: To present a case of Hashimoto encephalopathy as a complication of autoimmune thyroiditis.

Clinical presentation and intervention: A previously healthy 56-year-old female presented with rapidly progressive cognitive decline and visual hallucinations. Being a diagnosis of exclusion, Hashimoto encephalopathy required an extensive laboratory and diagnostic workup, which was done over the course of a 15-day hospitalization. The patient recovered after initial treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone and was then switched to prednisone p.o.

Conclusion: This case report illustrates the importance of awareness for Hashimoto encephalopathy, as it remains one of the few easily treatable and reversible causes of rapid cognitive decline.

Keywords: Autoimmune thyroiditis; Hashimoto encephalopathy; Steroid-responsive encephalopathy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Encephalitis / complications*
  • Encephalitis / diagnosis
  • Encephalitis / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Hashimoto Disease / complications*
  • Hashimoto Disease / diagnosis
  • Hashimoto Disease / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Methylprednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Thyroiditis, Autoimmune / complications*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Methylprednisolone

Supplementary concepts

  • Hashimoto's encephalitis