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

• 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

<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>