Hashimoto's Encephalopathy: A Case Report and Literature Review of an Encephalopathy With Many Names. 2020

Joseph M DeBiase, and Deepti Avasthi
Internal Medicine, St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center, Toledo, USA.

We present the case of a male patient, initially treated for myxedema coma secondary to Hashimoto's thyroiditis, who was discharged on levothyroxine and a low-dose steroid taper but was re-admitted for the treatment of status epilepticus. During the second admission, the patient developed encephalopathy and cognitive dysfunction. Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies (Abs) were elevated and the patient was treated with high-dose steroids with clinical improvement. The patient was determined to have Hashimoto's encephalopathy (HE) due to the clinical picture as well as the response to high-dose glucocorticoid therapy. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis demonstrated elevated protein, immunoglobulin G (IgG) index, and IgG synthesis rate; however, albumin index was elevated, indicating a disrupted blood-brain barrier. We suggest that HE be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with seizures, coma, stroke-like symptoms, behavior changes, and unexplained encephalopathy. After ruling out more common pathologies, HE should be considered by testing for anti-TPO Abs.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries

Related Publications

Joseph M DeBiase, and Deepti Avasthi
January 2004, Neurologia i neurochirurgia polska,
Joseph M DeBiase, and Deepti Avasthi
January 2018, Applied neuropsychology. Adult,
Joseph M DeBiase, and Deepti Avasthi
April 2023, Current neurology and neuroscience reports,
Joseph M DeBiase, and Deepti Avasthi
January 2011, The Journal of neuropsychiatry and clinical neurosciences,
Joseph M DeBiase, and Deepti Avasthi
January 2022, Frontiers in neurology,
Joseph M DeBiase, and Deepti Avasthi
June 2015, Journal of clinical apheresis,
Joseph M DeBiase, and Deepti Avasthi
January 2007, General hospital psychiatry,
Joseph M DeBiase, and Deepti Avasthi
January 2021, General psychiatry,
Copied contents to your clipboard!