Introduction
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is chronic autoimmune inflammation of the thyroid with lymphocytic infiltration
The destruction of the thyroid gland occurs through the action of CD8 positive killer T cells. CD4 positive helper T cells and B cells are also identified in the thyroid glands of patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common cause of primary of hypothyroidism The disease is 7 times more frequent in women.
The incidence of Hashimoto thyroiditis worldwide is estimated to be 0.3-1.5 cases per 1000 of population per year
Incidence increases with age and in patients with chromosomal disorders, including Turner's, Down, and Klinefelter's syndromes. A family history of thyroid disorders is common.
An increased incidence of cancer is seen in people with an autoimmune disease.
The treatment of Hashimoto thyroiditis consists of replacing thyroid hormone with levothyroxine, when the patients have become hypothyroid.

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