Progressive dementia caused by Hashimoto's encephalopathy -- report of two cases

Eur J Neurol. 2004 Oct;11(10):711-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2004.00909.x.

Abstract

Dementia induced by Hashimoto's encephalopathy (HE) seems to be a rare condition. We report on two patients, who revealed a syndrome consisting of a rapid progressive dementia with myocloni. In both patients, the detection of antithyroid antibodies enabled the diagnosis of HE. The symptoms receded completely during a high-dose glucocorticoid therapy. In patients with rapidly progressive dementia or with dementia of unknown origin, HE should be considered.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Diseases / complications*
  • Dementia / drug therapy
  • Dementia / etiology*
  • Electroencephalography / drug effects
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myoclonus / drug therapy
  • Myoclonus / etiology
  • Thyroid Gland / immunology
  • Thyroiditis, Autoimmune / complications*

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids