Hashimoto's encephalopathy presenting with neurocognitive symptoms: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Hashimoto's encephalopathy is a neurological disorder of unknown cause associated with thyroid autoimmunity. The disease occurs primarily in the fifth decade of life and may present in two types - a sudden vasculitic type or a...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Cuadra-Urteaga Jose, Loja-Oropeza David, Canelo-Aybar Carlos, Romani-Romani Franco
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2010-10-01
Series:Journal of Medical Case Reports
Online Access:Http://www.jmedicalcasereports.com/content/4/1/337
Description
Summary:<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Hashimoto's encephalopathy is a neurological disorder of unknown cause associated with thyroid autoimmunity. The disease occurs primarily in the fifth decade of life and may present in two types - a sudden vasculitic type or a progressive subacute type associated to cognitive dysfunction, confusion and memory loss.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We report the case of a 62-year-old Hispanic woman, previously healthy, who developed a subacute onset of declining upper brain function. Serologic studies demonstrated high levels of antithyroid antibodies. Electroencephalographic and magnetic resonance image findings were consistent with Hashimoto's encephalopathy.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Hashimoto's encephalopathy is a diagnosis of exclusion. This unusual disorder is often under-recognized because of the multiple and protracted neurocognitive manifestations; therefore, it is important to be aware of the clinical manifestations to make a correct diagnosis.</p>
ISSN:1752-1947