Contemporary theories concerning chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis

Review of contemporary theories and hypothesis concerning chronic lymphycytic thyroiditis is presented. The origin of the disease depends on various factors: genetics, immunological conditions, cytokins, iodine supply, hormones, TSH and its receptors, apoptosis activation and inhibition. The environmental conditions include goitrogens, selenium, polutants and other still unknown factors. Whether the disease will be accompanied with goiter, nodules or thyroid atrophy with functional disorder is still not evident.