Hashimoto’s encephalopathy presenting with acute confusional state in a patient with hypothyroidism

Abstract EN

Hashimoto’s encephalopathy is a neurological disorder of unknown etiology associated with thyroid autoimmunity.

The disease may present as two types, a sudden vasculitic type or a progressive subacute type associated with cognitive dysfunction, confusion and memory loss.

We report a case of a 6 year old previously healthy Egyptian female , 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.

Hashimoto’s encephalopathy is a diagnosis of exclusion.

This unusual disorder is often underrecognized because of multiple neurocognitive manifestations; therefore, it is important to be aware of the clinical manifestations to make a correct diagnosis.