Hashimoto Encephalopathy-Still More Questions than Answers

Cells. 2022 Sep 14;11(18):2873. doi: 10.3390/cells11182873.

Abstract

The normal function of the nervous system is conditioned by the undisturbed function of the thyroid gland and its hormones. Comprehensive clinical manifestations, including neurological disorders in Hashimoto's thyroiditis, have long been understood and, in recent years, attention has been paid to neurological symptoms in euthyroid patients. Hashimoto encephalopathy is a controversial and poorly understood disease entity and the pathogenesis of the condition remains unclear. We still derive our understanding of this condition from case reports, but on the basis of these, a clear clinical picture of this entity can be proposed. Based on a review of the recent literature, the authors present the current view on the subject, discuss controversies and questions that still remain unanswered, as well as ongoing research in this area and the results of our own work in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Keywords: Hashimoto encephalopathy; Hashimoto’s thyroiditis; SREAT; anti-thyroid antibodies; autoimmune encephalopathy; autoimmunity.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Brain Diseases*
  • Hashimoto Disease* / diagnosis
  • Hashimoto Disease* / etiology
  • Hashimoto Disease* / pathology
  • Hormones
  • Humans

Substances

  • Hormones

Grants and funding

Supported by Wroclaw Medical University.