Steroid-Responsive Recurrent Encephalopathy Associated with Subacute Thyroiditis

Abstract

Background Steroid-responsive encephalopathy associated with Subacute thyroiditis has, to our knowledge, not been reported previously. Case Report A 49-year-old woman was found collapsed and brought 10 Our institution with decreased mentality, dysarthria, and gait disturbance. Brain magnetic resonance imaging and angiography were normal but blood tests revealed thyroid-autoantibody-negative thyrotoxicosis. Results of a (99m)technetium-pertechnetate scan were compatible with the thyrotoxic phase of Subacute thyroiditis. 14-3-3 proteins were detected in cerebrospinal fluid. Her mental status began to improve from the day following steroid administration. Recurrent encephalopathy was found 2 months after the initial admission, which was also effectively treated with steroid. Conclusions We speculate that steroid-responsive recurrent encephalopathy associated with subacute thyroiditis is a Subtype of Hashimoto's encephalopathy, and consider that steroid treatment should not be delayed in Suspected patients. J Clin Neurol 2008;4:167-170