Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to persistent inflammation, gland enlargement, and the development of autoantibodies targeting thyroid proteins. Formerly known as “struma lymphomatosa,” it is now recognized as the leading cause of hypothyroidism and is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular conditions and certain cancers. The onset of the disease is shaped by a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental influences, and epigenetic changes.
From an epidemiological perspective, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is one of the most common thyroid disorders, with a higher in...