chronic autoimmune thyroiditis
Last reviewed 03/2023
Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis is a common cause of hypothyroidism. The incidence increases with age and shows a female predominance of 10:1. Typically, a woman aged 50-60 years presents with hypothyroidism and an impalpable thyroid gland.
Biopsies show a lymphocytic infiltration, fibrosis and atrophy. Anti-microsomal (anti-TPO) antibodies are present in up to 90% of cases.