Short answer · Medically reviewed summary · Last updated: 2026-04-06
Hashimoto's disease is most formally and commonly referred to in medical literature as Hashimoto's thyroiditis or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. Common Synonyms and Historical Names While Hashimoto's disease is the term most frequently used by patients and clinicians, you may encounter several other names in older medical records or international literature. These include: Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis: This is the most descriptive pathological term, highlighting the presence of lymphocytes infiltrating the thyroid gland. Hashimoto's thyroiditis: The standard clinical designation used in most contemporary medical textbooks. Struma lymphomatosa: A historical term coined by Hakaru Hashimoto in his original 1912 report, which described the "lymphomatous" appearance of the goiter. Autoimmune thyroiditis: A broad category that encompasses the condition, though it is less specific than the eponym. Classification and Nomenclature In medical classification systems, the condition is primarily tracked under the following identifiers: Hashimoto's disease is listed in the ICD-10 as E06.3 (Autoimmune thyroiditis), and it is cataloged in OMIM as #140300.
Hashimotos Disease synonyms
Other names for Hashimotos Disease: synonyms, acronyms and related terms used by doctors and patients.
Hashimoto's disease is most formally and commonly referred to in medical literature as Hashimoto's thyroiditis or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis.
Common Synonyms and Historical Names
While Hashimoto's disease is the term most frequently used by patients and clinicians, you may encounter several other names in older medical records or international literature. These include:
- Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis: This is the most descriptive pathological term, highlighting the presence of lymphocytes infiltrating the thyroid gland.
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis: The standard clinical designation used in most contemporary medical textbooks.
- Struma lymphomatosa: A historical term coined by Hakaru Hashimoto in his original 1912 report, which described the "lymphomatous" appearance of the goiter.
- Autoimmune thyroiditis: A broad category that encompasses the condition, though it is less specific than the eponym.
Classification and Nomenclature
In medical classification systems, the condition is primarily tracked under the following identifiers: Hashimoto's disease is listed in the ICD-10 as E06.3 (Autoimmune thyroiditis), and it is cataloged in OMIM as #140300. Orphanet classifies it under the broader umbrella of autoimmune thyroid diseases. The shift from historical terms like "struma lymphomatosa" to the modern Hashimoto's thyroiditis reflects a transition toward using the eponym to honor the physician who first identified the specific autoimmune nature of the glandular destruction.
Why Multiple Names Exist
The existence of multiple names for Hashimoto's disease is largely due to the evolution of diagnostic capabilities. Early in the 20th century, clinicians named conditions based on the physical appearance of the tissue (hence "struma," meaning goiter). As medical science advanced and we understood the immune-mediated mechanism, "chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis" became the preferred term to describe the underlying pathology. Today, Hashimoto's thyroiditis remains the preferred term in clinical practice because it is both globally recognized and specifically identifies the autoimmune nature of the condition.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition.
References
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Hashimoto's thyroiditis
- Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM): #140300 - Hashimoto Thyroiditis
- Orphanet: Rare Disease Database (Autoimmune thyroiditis)
