Debut with psychotic symptoms of Hashimoto encephalopathy: A case report

Abstract

Hashimoto’s encephalopathy is a rare disease, first reported in 1966, with a prevalence of 2.1 in 1000 inhabitants. We present the case of a 42- year- old woman, with no relevant medical history, who suddenly started having symptoms of altered consciousness, visual hallucinations and de-lusions. Laboratory tests showed anti- thyroperoxidase antibodies greater than 600 U/ml, thy-roxin 0.93 U/ml, and thyroid stimulating hormone 1.60 U/ml. Magnetic resonance imaging showed bilateral subcortical focal lesions with a nonspecific demyelinating appearance. The electroencephalogram was nonspecific. The diagnosis of Hashimoto encephalopathy was made, and symptoms remitted after treatment with steroids. This article highlights the importance of conducting a comprehensive evaluation of patients with atypical psychiatric symptoms and a thorough differential diagnosis.

Keywords

• hashimoto’s encephalopathy
• autoimmune disease
• hashimoto disease
• encephalopathy