Steroid-responsive Encephalopathy Associated with Autoimmune Thyroiditis: An Underdiagnosed Cause of Rapidly Progressive Dementia—A Case Report

Vandana KV; Lakshmanan Sankaranarayanan; Tino Baby; Subburaj D; Syed F Munnaver PK; Sowmini PR; Kannan V; Mugundhan Krishnan

doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10070-8049

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Steroid-responsive Encephalopathy Associated with Autoimmune Thyroiditis: An Underdiagnosed Cause of Rapidly Progressive Dementia—A Case Report

Vandana KV, Lakshmanan Sankaranarayanan, Tino Baby, Subburaj D, Syed F Munnaver PK, Sowmini PR, Kannan V, Mugundhan Krishnan

Keywords : Case report, Hashimoto's encephalopathy, Rapidly progressive dementia, Steroids, Steroid-responsive encephalopathy associated with autoimmune thyroiditis

Citation Information : KV V, Sankaranarayanan L, Baby T, D S, Munnaver PK SF, PR S, V K, Krishnan M. Steroid-responsive Encephalopathy Associated with Autoimmune Thyroiditis: An Underdiagnosed Cause of Rapidly Progressive Dementia—A Case Report. Bengal Physician Journal 2024; 11 (2):83-84.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10070-8049

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 06-07-2024

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Abstract

Background: Steroid-responsive encephalopathy associated with autoimmune thyroiditis (SREAT) is a rare autoimmune disease associated with varied manifestations like rapidly progressive dementia (RPD) and other neuropsychiatric manifestations. Case description: A 65-year-old female presented with subacute onset rapidly progressive memory loss and behavioral disturbances along with extrapyramidal symptoms for 3 months. Her MRI brain and EEG showed no significant findings. On further evaluation, her anti-TPO levels and antithyroglobulin levels were found to be significantly elevated. Other causes of RPD were ruled out. The patient showed a dramatic improvement after administering steroids. Conclusion: Given the reversibility of clinical manifestations, SREAT should be considered in the differential diagnosis when evaluating such a clinical picture, and treatment with steroids should not be delayed if the diagnosis is considered. This case report highlights the importance of early identification and treatment with steroids for autoimmune causes of RPD.

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