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Neuropediatrics 2002; 33(2): 86-89
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-32364
Short Communication

Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Hashimoto Encephalopathy - is it Underdiagnosed in Pediatric Patients?

B. v. Maydell1 , M. Kopp1 , G. v. Komorowski1 , A. Joe2 , F. D. Juengling3 , R. Korinthenberg1
  • 1 Department of Neuropediatrics, University Childrens Hospital, Freiburg, Germany
  • 2 Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
  • 3 Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Ulm, Germany
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Publication History

Publication Date:
20 June 2002 (online)

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Abstract

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.

Key words

Hashimoto Encephalopathy - Children - Hashimoto Thyroiditis - Status Epilepticus - Thyroid Antibodies

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Prof. Dr. R. Korinthenberg

Department of Neuropediatrics, University Children's Hospital

Mathildenstr. 1

79106 Freiburg

Germany

Email: rudokori@kikli.ukl.uni-freiburg.de