[Autoimmune thyroid diseases, an overview]

Abstract

Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) are generally of low severity although they can affect significantly the quality of life. Nevertheless, taking into account their high prevalence, a source of considerable medical expenses, it is mandatory that practitioners are well informed on the management of AITD so that they might contribute to curb as much as possible the current costs. Main points discussed are the various clinical and pathophysiological presentations of AITD, as well as their epidemiology and susceptibility/triggering factors. This overview together with the other contributions within this issue should help doctors in the diagnosis and management of AITD.