Abstract

A CASE REPORT ON HASHIMOTO’S ENCEPHALOPATHY

Naga Lakshmi Netuluri*, Naveen Kumar Naik Ramavathu, Venkata Rohit Kumar Chandolu, Bhuvana Boppudi, J. N. Suresh Kumar and Ch. Siva Rama Krishna

Abstract

Introduction: Ashimoto’s encephalopathy (HE), also known as steroid- responsive encephalopathy, is associated with autoimmune thyroiditis and presents with encephalopathy and elevations in antithyroid antibodies without brain tumor, stroke, or infection of the central nervous system. It is a rare clinical entity, which presents with unspecific neurological symptoms. The syndrome is more common in women, and is associated with autoimmune antithyroid antibodies. Presentation varies considerably; there may be episodes of cerebral ischemia, seizure, or psychosis, or there may be depression, cognitive decline, and periods of fluctuating consciousness. Because the symptoms respond so well to immunosuppressive treatment, prompt diagnosis and management are important.[3] Case Presentation: Here we report a 55 year old female patient was admitted in hospital with Neurological symptoms of vertigo associated with drowsiness and altered mental status. She had history hypertension and NIDDM from past 11 years. Diagnostic workup revealed high anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody, slight increase in thyroid stimulating hormone levels and CSF analysis, radiologic findings showed no abnormalities and it was negative for other possible aetiologies. Treatment with steroids induced significant improvement for altered mental status.[5] Conclusion: 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.

Keywords: Ashimoto’s encephalopathy manifestations to make a correct diagnosis.