Hashimoto's encephalopathy responding to plasmapheresis

• Published in: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry Vol. 70; no. 1; p. 132
• Main Authors: BOERS, P M, COLEBATCH, J G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BMJ Publishing Group Ltd 01.01.2001; BMJ; BMJ Publishing Group LTD; BMJ Group
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Endocrinopathies; Humans; Immunoglobulins; Letters to the Editor; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Non tumoral diseases. Target tissue resistance. Benign neoplasms; Patients; Plasmapheresis; Proteins; Thyroid. Thyroid axis (diseases); Thyroiditis, Autoimmune - therapy; Tropical medicine; Endocrinopathy; Case study; Human; Immunopathology; Nervous system diseases; Encephalopathy; Hashimoto thyroiditis; Central nervous system disease; Thyroid diseases; Autoimmune disease; Complication; Cerebral disorder
• ISSN: 0022-3050; 1468-330X
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.70.1.132

C-reactive protein was 58 mg/l but other investigations were normal or negative, including routine haematology and biochemistry, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ANA, ANCA, HIV, and syphilis serology, carotid Doppler studies, brain MRI (precontrast and postcontrast), transoesophageal echocardiography, and CSF culture (including herpes simplex virus polymerase chain reaction). Several theories have been proposed, including a generalised abnormality of the immune system, cerebral vasculitis, recurrent demyelination, or a toxic effect of thyrotropin releasing hormone on the CNS. 3 4 It is clear, however, that an abnormality of thyroid function itself cannot explain this condition, as many patients described in the literature are euthyroid either at the time of presentation or relapse.