Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Autoimmune Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an organ-specific autoimmune disorder. It affects the thyroid gland and is characterized by the presence of antibodies to thyroid proteins, namely, thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies, thyroid tissue invasion by lymphocytes and reduced echogenicity of the thyroid on ultrasonography. The presence of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may be associated with normal thyroid function, hypothyroidism and rarely hyperthyroidism. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis with normal thyroid function may progress to subclinical hypothyroidism or overt hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is treated by the administration of thyroxine usually for life.