Familial Autoimmune Thyroiditis: Maternal–Fetal Relationship and the Role of Generalized Autoimmunity

A family with autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's type) involving at least 3 members in 2 generations is described. In addition, abnormalities of serum immunoglobulins were identified in 2 of 3 generations studied. The possible pathogenetic role of at least one of these immunoglobulins is discussed. Congenital thyroid suppression (partially reversible) was present in all 6 offspring (third generation) of one member with autoimmune thyroiditis. The mechanism of this suppression is not apparent.