Diseases associated with thyroid autoimmunity: explanations for the expanding spectrum

Abstract

Autoimmune thyroid diseases (autoimmune hypothyroidism and Grave's disease) have more frequently familial incidence and asymptomatic relatives are often positive for thyroid autoantibodies. Similarly, several other autoimmune diseases including thyroid autoimmunity are often associated in some patients and families.

Keywords

• Autoimmune thyroid diseases
• thyroid autoantibodies
• familial incidence