THYROIDITIS, AUTOIMMUNE

A progressive disease of the thyroid gland with antibodies in the blood stream directed against the thyroid and infiltration of the gland by lymphoctes (a key type of white blood cells involved in the immune response). This immune response is against one’s own thyroid. (It is autoimmune.) Predominantly affects women. Can be familial. Also called Hashimoto’s disease or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.