Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Question 1

What is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?

Answer 1

An autoimmune disease in which the thyroid gland is gradually destroyed

Question 2

What genes are associated with HT?

Answer 2

Some HLA genes

Question 3

What do antibodies present in HT bind to?

Answer 3

Thyroid peroxidase (TPO), thyroglobulin

Question 4

What is thyroid peroxidase?

Answer 4

An enzyme involved in T3 and T4 synthesis

Question 5

What is thyroglobulin?

Answer 5

A precursor to T3 and T4

Question 6

What cells damage or destroy follicular cells in HT?

Answer 6

Macrophages and CD8 positive cytotoxic T cells

Question 7

What causes a transient hyperthyroid state in some cases of HT?

Answer 7

Leakage of thyroid hormones from damaged or destroyed hormones

Question 8

How does the thyroid gland become inflamed in HT?

Answer 8

The follicles atrophy, immune cells increase and there is a build up of connective tissue

Question 9

What are the key presentations of HT?

Answer 9

Goitre, Hypothyroidism

Question 10

What investigations would you do?

Answer 10

Autoantibody test for anti-thyroid peroxidase and anti-thyroglobulin, TFT

Question 11

What is a potential complication?

Answer 11

Cancer