Hashimoto encephalopathy (HE) is associated with Hashimoto thyroiditis. Clinically
it presents with variable symptoms like seizures, neuropsychiatric changes or focal
neurological deficits. Autoimmune phenomena are hypothesized for the pathogenesis.
HE has mainly been described in the adult population. We present two 14-year-old patients
who presented with recurrent seizures and mental decline. SPECT and PET scans showed
distinctly pathological changes. Both patients were diagnosed with HE and improved
dramatically on steroids. We feel that HE is a rare but important differential diagnosis
of encephalopathy also in the pediatric population. As this disease responds well
to steroids, we recommend to obtain basic thyroid function tests as well as thyroid
antibodies in all cases of unexplained encephalopathy or unexplained status epilepticus.
Hashimoto Encephalopathy - Children - Hashimoto Thyroiditis - Status Epilepticus -
Thyroid Antibodies
