Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT170

Introduction: Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder characterized by a deficit in thyroid hormone production. This condition can arise from various underlying etiologies, predominantly autoimmune in nature. This study aimed to analyze the etiological spectrum of hypothyroidism in a cohort of patients followed in our center.

Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism. The diagnosis was based on clinical presentation, hormonal assays, and the detection of thyroid-specific autoantibodies, including anti-thyroperoxidase (anti-TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin (anti-Tg) antibodies.

Results: Two main etiologies were identified in our cohort. Hashimoto’s chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis was the most frequent cause of hypothyroidism, diagnosed in 69 patients. This group included 59 women and 10 men, with a mean age of 37.8 years. Anti-TPO antibodies were positive in 62 patients, while anti-Tg antibodies were positive in 41 cases, confirming the autoimmune nature of the disease. Chronic atrophic lymphocytic thyroiditis was less frequent, identified in 4 patients (3 women and 1 man) with a mean age of onset of 56 years. This diagnosis was based on a combination of late onset, thyroid atrophy observed on ultrasound, and positive autoantibody tests. Anti-TPO antibodies were positive in 3 cases, and anti-Tg antibodies were positive in 3 cases.

Conclusion: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the leading cause of hypothyroidism in our cohort, predominantly affecting women in their late 30s. Chronic atrophic lymphocytic thyroiditis, while less common, presents at a later age and is characterized by thyroid atrophy and positive autoantibodies. These findings underscore the importance of detailed clinical evaluation and immunological testing in the diagnosis and management of hypothyroidism.