Autoimmune Thyroiditis

Synonyms: Autoimmune thyroid disease
German: Autoimmunthyreopathie

1 Definition

The term Autoimmune Thyroiditis refers to a class of chronic inflammatory diseases of the thyroid gland that are mediated via specifical antibodies or T-Cells.

2 Clinical manifestations

Depending on genetical factors and the pattern of circulating antibodies thyroiditis may be associated with hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, goiter or thyroid atrophy.

3 Classification

• Type 1: Euthyroidism
  • Type 1A: Goiter present (Hashimoto's Disease)
  • Type 1B: Goiter absent (Ord's Disease)
• Type 2: Hypothyroidism
  • Type 2A: Goiter present (Hashimoto's Disease)
  • Type 2B: Goiter absent (Ord's Disease)
• Type 3: Graves' Disease):
  • Type 3A: Hyperthyroidism
  • Type 3B: Euthyroidism
  • Type 3C: Hypothyroidism

The association of Graves' disease (or other forms of thyrotoxic autoimmune thyroiditis) with TSH dependent functioning nodules is referred to as Marine-Lenhart Syndrome.

4 Treatment

The choice of treatment depends on the underlying disease and clinical symptoms.

5 References

Davies TF, Ord-Hashimoto's disease: renaming a common disorder--again. Thyroid. 2003 Dec;13(12):1189