Hashimoto thyroiditis

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disease in which the thyroid gland is gradually destroyed. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States.

Symptoms

Early on there may be no symptoms. Over time, the thyroid may enlarge forming a painless goiter. Some people eventually develop hypothyroidism with its accompanying weight gain, feeling tired, constipation, depression, and general pains. After many years the thyroid typically shrinks in size. Potential complications include thyroid lymphoma.

Causes

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is thought to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors include a family history of the condition and having another autoimmune disease. Diagnosis is confirmed with blood tests for TSH, T4, and antithyroid antibodies. Other conditions that can produce similar symptoms include Graves' disease and nodular goiter.

Treatment

Treatment is typically with levothyroxine. This is most commonly lifelong. Surgery is rarely required for goiter.

Epidemiology

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is thought to affect about 5% of the population at some point in their life. It occurs between seven and 15 times more often in women than men. Those over the age of 60 are most commonly affected. The disease was first described by the Japanese physician Hakaru Hashimoto in a paper published in Germany in 1912.

Hashimoto thyroiditis Resources
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