Time for the endocrinologists to expand their awareness of and contribution to the diagnosis and management of encephalopathy associated with autoimmune thyroid disease

Hormones (Athens). 2011 Jan-Mar;10(1):36-8. doi: 10.14310/horm.2002.1298.

Abstract

Encephalopathy associated with autoimmune thyroid disease is a rare condition presenting in the setting of autoimmune thyroid disease and characterized by unspecific neurological and/or psychiatric symptoms. Bearing in mind the currently prevailing lack of consensus on the most appropriate nomenclature and diagnostic criteria for this condition and the implications that this lack undeniably has on clinical practice, it is obvious that an international and multidisciplinary agreement among clinicians should arrive at the most appropriate definition and terminology of encephalopathy occurring in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease. Concomitantly, efforts must be made to uncover the pathogenetic link between thyroid autoimmunity and the occurrence of encephalopathy.

MeSH terms

  • Awareness / physiology
  • Brain Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Brain Diseases / etiology
  • Brain Diseases / therapy*
  • Education, Medical, Continuing
  • Endocrinology / education*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Professional Competence
  • Thyroiditis, Autoimmune / complications
  • Thyroiditis, Autoimmune / diagnosis*
  • Thyroiditis, Autoimmune / therapy*
  • Time Factors