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| CASE REPORT |
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| Year : 2016 | Volume
: 9
| Issue : 3 | Page : 331-334 |
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Hashimoto's encephalopathy misdiagnosed as pyogenic meningoencephalitis
Naveed Mohsin1, Javvid Muzamil Dandroo1, Nawaz Ahmad Sheikh1, Atif Rasool Kawoosa1, Ravouf Asimi2
1 Department of General Medicine, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
2 Department of Neurology, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| Date of Web Publication | 21-Dec-2016 |
Correspondence Address:
Dr. Naveed Mohsin
Department of Internal Medicine, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, G 15, Married Doctors Hostel, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/2349-5006.196327
Hashimoto's encephalopathy is a controversial and underrecognized condition, associated with autoimmune thyroiditis. Presentation may be an insidious development of cognitive impairment or recurrent acute episodes of focal neurological deficit with confusion. Here, we present a case of middle-aged female that presented with headache, vomiting with alteration of sensorium, and left side weakness and responded well to steroids. A negative microbiological screen of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum along with raised CSF protein, elevated serum antithyroid antibodies, and characteristic electroencephalogram and neuroimaging findings yielded the diagnosis. Keywords: Cerebrospinal fluid, Hashimoto's encephalopathy, nonvasculitic autoimmune meningoencephalitis, steroid-responsive encephalopathy
How to cite this article:
Mohsin N, Dandroo JM, Sheikh NA, Kawoosa AR, Asimi R. Hashimoto's encephalopathy misdiagnosed as pyogenic meningoencephalitis. Indian J Health Sci Biomed Res 2016;9:331-4 |
How to cite this URL:
Mohsin N, Dandroo JM, Sheikh NA, Kawoosa AR, Asimi R. Hashimoto's encephalopathy misdiagnosed as pyogenic meningoencephalitis. Indian J Health Sci Biomed Res [serial online] 2016 [cited 2020 Jul 11];9:331-4. Available from: http://www.ijournalhs.org/text.asp?2016/9/3/331/196327 |
| Introduction | |  |
Hashimoto's encephalopathy (HE) also called as nonvasculitic autoimmune meningoencephalitis or steroid-responsive encephalopathy, associated with autoimmune thyroiditis, has been described as a syndrome of encephalopathy/neuropsychiatric deficits, high serum antithyroid antibody concentrations, and absence of evidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) infection that is responsive to glucocorticoid therapy.[1],[2]
Since the first description of neuropsychiatric disease associated with autoimmune thyroid dysfunction by Brain et al. in 1966,[3] the relationship between antithyroid antibodies and steroid-responsive encephalopathy is subject to considerable debate.
The clinical features are varied, and some clinicians have proposed two subtypes of the disorder: (i) vasculitic type, characterized by multiple stroke-like episodes and (ii) a diffuse progressive type, characterized by dementia and psychiatric symptoms.[4]
Autoimmune cerebral vasculitis is likely because neuropathological examinations of biopsy and autopsy specimens have shown lymphocytic infiltration into the walls of arterioles and venules in brain parenchyma [5],[6] and leptomeninges.[6]
Because a-enolase is expressed in vascular endothelial cells, autoantibodies against a-enolase may be associated with vasculitic processes, a useful diagnostic marker for HE.[7]
It is underrecognized by physicians, and the purpose of this report is to add to the literature and highlight the potential for excellent clinical outcome with appropriate therapy.
| Case Report | | |
A 50-year-old female presented with severe global headache followed by multiple episodes of projectile nonbilious vomiting for about 2 days. After that, the patient developed an alteration of sensorium in the form of decreased responsiveness and inability to recognize family members. This was associated with weakness of the left side of body. She had a medical history of intermittent headache and vomiting for 4 years lasting for few days. She also had a history of hypertension for 8 years and primary hypothyroidism for 6 years. She had been receiving antihypertensive therapy and thyroxine 100 µg.
On admission, the patient was in Grade II encephalopathy, exhibited disorientation. Her concentration and memory were impaired. She had xanthelasma over the upper eyelids. Her cranial nerves were intact, and there was terminal neck stiffness. She had left side weakness (Grade III power) and extensor plantar response.
Apart from mild normocytic normochromic anemia with hemoglobin of 10.70 g/L, her routine blood parameters including electrolytes, liver function tests, arterial blood gas analysis, blood, and urine culture were normal. Chest X-ray, electrocardiography, and abdominal ultrasonography were normal. CSF study showed 200 cells with predominant polymorphs (85%), protein - 290 mg/dl, and sugar - 80 mg/dl with negative Gram's and Ziehl–Neelsen stain. Noncontrast computed tomography of the head with choroid plexus hyperdensities as shown in [Figure 1]. She was diagnosed as probable pyogenic meningoencephalitis in view of terminal neck rigidity, high CSF polymorphic cells. She was initiated on antibiotic drugs (ceftriaxone and vancomycin).
After a week of antibiotics, the patient deteriorated clinically, and her sensorium worsened. She was reevaluated, electroencephalogram (EEG) showed generalized slowing (8-Hz). HIV and hepatitis virus screening were negative. CSF polymerase chain reaction for herpes simplex virus and tuberculosis was negative. India ink staining as well as cryptococcal antigen was negative in CSF. The levels of serological markers for collagen disease, including antinuclear, anti-DNA, anti-SSA/SS-B, antineutrophil cytoplasmic, and myeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, were within the normal ranges. Serologic tests for syphilis were also negative.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain with T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequences showed diffuse bilateral subcortical hyperintensities and left choroid plexus bleed as shown in [Figure 2] and [Figure 3].
Thyroid profile showed high thyroid-stimulating hormone, 18.25 (normal 0.35–5.50 pg/ml), T3, 0.3 (normal 0.6–1.81 pg/ml), and T4, 4.8 (5.01–12.45 pg/ml). Serum antithyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody level was elevated 343.50 IU/mL (normal <60 IU/mL) and antithryroglobulin antibody >500 U/ml (normal ≤60). Thyroid ultrasound showed heterogeneous echogenicity in both lobes. She was treated with high-dose intravenous glucocorticoid therapy followed by a slow taper. Thyroxine was augmented to 150 µg. Thereafter, he became more alert, conversant, and demonstrated marked improved in her weakness.
| Discussion | | |
HE is a controversial disorder with an estimated prevalence of 2.1/100,000 and mean age of onset of 42 years.[8] Females are more often affected than males (3.6:1).[9]
Primary demyelination, vasculitis, immune complex deposition, and direct antibody-mediated neuronal injury have all been proposed as mechanisms of disease. It is characterized by confusion with or without myoclonus, seizures, hyperreflexia, and psychosis.
Presentation may be an insidious development of cognitive impairment or recurrent acute episodes of focal neurological deficit with confusion.[10]
Peschen-Rosin et al. outlined the first diagnostic criteria for HE that included patients with neurocognitive deficits and at least three of the following conditions: an abnormal EEG, elevated thyroid antibodies, elevated CSF protein and/or oligoclonal bands, an excellent response to steroids, and a nonspecific but abnormal cerebral MRI.[11] Chong et al. criteria include exclusion of other diseases such as infection, stroke, metabolic and toxic causes as well as other factors leading to encephalopathy; normal thyroid status or thyroid dysfunction not able to justify the symptoms and elevated plasma anti-TPO antibody level; and a good response to corticosteroid therapy.[12]
We present the case of a middle-aged female with headache, progressive impaired cognitive function, and left side weakness. She was treated as probable pyogenic meningoencephalitis in view of terminal neck rigidity, high CSF polymorphic cells, and received antibiotic drugs. She failed to achieve improvement and rather deteriorated. The extensive evaluation in our hospital found elevated serum antithyroid antibodies, EEG showed generalized slowing, with pleomorphic leukocytosis in CSF and high protein. The patient responded to high-dose steroid therapy.
Antithyroid antibodies – anti-TPO antibody (TPOAb) and/or antithyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) – are the hallmark of this disease. Sensitivity ranges from 73% to 100% for these antithyroid antibodies.[8]
Patients have thyroid dysfunction. Overt hypothyroidism is seen in 17%–20% of patients, 7% are hyperthyroid, and 38%–47% are euthyroid.[8] Our patient was hypothyroid. CSF protein elevation is seen in 75%, and lymphocytic pleocytosis is present in 10%–25%.[8] Our patient demonstrated elevated protein, peaking at 290 mg/dL, and polymorphic pleocytosis.
Electroencephalographic abnormalities, when present, are usually nonspecific with background slowing is observed in 94% of patients. Sharp waves and transient epileptic activity are less commonly seen.[8],[13],[14] Our patient demonstrated background slowing on EEG.
MRI may be normal or demonstrate nonspecific T2 signal abnormalities in the subcortical white matter that do not enhance with gadolinium. In rare cases, diffuse white matter changes or meningeal enhancement has been described.[10] Initial treatment is with high-dose steroids titrated according to clinical response.[4] Thyroid dysfunction should also be appropriately treated if present. Response to steroid therapy is usually excellent and is followed by slow steroid tapering and eventual discontinuation. Steroid intolerant patients may respond to cyclosporine or azathioprine. There are also several case reports describing good clinical outcomes following plasma exchange [15] and intravenous immunoglobulin.[9]
| Conclusion | | |
HE should be considered in patients with unexplained encephalopathy or rapidly progressing dementia. Elevated serum levels of anti-TPOAb and TgAbs coupled with a marked response to corticosteroids is diagnostic. HE often has a favorable prognosis.
Before consideration of HE, we should rule out any probable causes of encephalopathy, such as infections, electrolyte imbalance, toxins, and neoplasms.
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
| References | | |
| 1. | Sawka AM, Fatourechi V, Boeve BF, Mokri B. Rarity of encephalopathy associated with autoimmune thyroiditis: A case series from Mayo Clinic from 1950 to 1996. Thyroid 2002;12:393-8.  |
| 2. | Shaw PJ, Walls TJ, Newman PK, Cleland PG, Cartlidge NE. Hashimoto's encephalopathy: A steroid-responsive disorder associated with high anti-thyroid antibody titers – Report of 5 cases. Neurology 1991;41(2 Pt 1):228-33. |
| 3. | Brain L, Jellinek EH, Ball K. Hashimoto's disease and encephalopathy. Lancet 1966;2:512-4. |
| 4. | Kothbauer-Margreiter I, Sturzenegger M, Komor J, Baumgartner R, Hess CW. Encephalopathy associated with Hashimoto thyroiditis: Diagnosis and treatment. J Neurol 1996;243:585-93. |
| 5. | Shibata N, Yamamoto Y, Sunami N, Suga M, Yamashita Y. Isolated angiitis of the CNS associated with Hashimoto's disease. Rinsho Shinkeigaku 1992;32:191-8. |
| 6. | Duffey P, Yee S, Reid IN, Bridges LR. Hashimoto's encephalopathy: Postmortem findings after fatal status epilepticus. Neurology 2003;61:1124-6. |
| 7. | Yoneda M, Fujii A, Ito A, Yokoyama H, Nakagawa H, Kuriyama M. High prevalence of serum autoantibodies against the amino terminal of alpha-enolase in Hashimoto's encephalopathy. J Neuroimmunol 2007;185:195-200. |
| 8. | Marshall GA, Doyle JJ. Long-term treatment of Hashimoto's encephalopathy. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 2006;18:14-20. |
| 9. | Jacob S, Rajabally YA. Hashimoto's encephalopathy: Steroid resistance and response to intravenous immunoglobulins. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2005;76:455-6. |
| 10. | Castillo P, Woodruff B, Caselli R, Vernino S, Lucchinetti C, Swanson J, et al. Steroid-responsive encephalopathy associated with autoimmune thyroiditis. Arch Neurol 2006;63:197-202. |
| 11. | Peschen-Rosin R, Schabet M, Dichgans J. Manifestation of Hashimoto's encephalopathy years before onset of thyroid disease. Eur Neurol 1999;41:79-84. |
| 12. | Chong JY, Rowland LP, Utiger RD. Hashimoto encephalopathy: Syndrome or myth? Arch Neurol 2003;60:164-71. |
| 13. | Rodriguez AJ, Jicha GA, Steeves TD, Benarroch EE, Westmoreland BF. EEG changes in a patient with steroid-responsive encephalopathy associated with antibodies to thyroperoxidase (SREAT, Hashimoto's encephalopathy). J Clin Neurophysiol 2006;23:371-3. |
| 14. | Ferlazzo E, Raffaele M, Mazzù I, Pisani F. Recurrent status epilepticus as the main feature of Hashimoto's encephalopathy. Epilepsy Behav 2006;8:328-30. |
| 15. | Nieuwenhuis L, Santens P, Vanwalleghem P, Boon P. Subacute Hashimoto's encephalopathy, treated with plasmapheresis. Acta Neurol Belg 2004;104:80-3. |
[Figure 1], [Figure 2], [Figure 3]
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