Hashimoto's thyroiditis (chronic autoimmune thyroiditis) is an autoimmune disorder of the thyroid gland. It is typically associated with hypothyroidism although there may be a transient thyrotoxicosis in the acute phase. It is 10 times more common in women

Features

• features of hypothyroidism
• goitre: firm, non-tender
• antibodies:
  • anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies → positive in >90% of cases
  • anti-thyroglobulin antibodies → present in ~60–80%, less specific

Associations

• other autoimmune conditions e.g. coeliac disease, type 1 diabetes mellitus, vitiligo
• Hashimoto's thyroiditis is associated with the development of MALT lymphoma