Rinsho Shinkeigaku (Clinical Neurology)

Case Report

A case of Hashimoto's encephalopathy successfully treated with cyclophosphamide pulse therapy

Kinya Matsuo, M.D.1)2), Michiaki Koga, M.D.1), Masaya Honda, M.D.1) and Takashi Kanda, M.D.1)

1)Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine
2)Present address: Department of Neurology, Yamaguchi Prefectural Grand Medical Center

Hashimoto's encephalopathy has been described as an autoimmune disorder which demonstrates favorable response to corticosteroid therapy. However, steroid-resistant cases which require additional treatment are frequently reported, and there is no consensus how such cases should be treated. We present a 69 years-old man, who progressed cognitive dysfunction in the past three months. Anti-thyroid and anti-NH2 terminal of alpha-enolase antibodies were positive. Because initial corticosteroid therapy was ineffective, cyclophosphamide (CPA) pulse therapy was added, and his cognitive function was immediately improved. He had no relapse after tapering dose of corticosteroid for three years. CPA pulse therapy should be considered for steroid-resistant Hashimoto's encephalopathy.
Full Text of this Article in Japanese PDF (596K)

(CLINICA NEUROL, 58: 390|394, 2018)
key words: Hashimoto's encephalopathy, cyclophosphamide, anti-NH2 terminal of alpha-enolase antibody, steroid-resistant

(Received: 15-Mar-18)