What is Myxoedematous cretinism?

Myxoedematous or hypothyroid cretinism is less common and characterised by mental retardation (although less severe than in neurological cretinism), dwarfism, and hypothyroidism with associated physical symptoms (e.g., coarse and dry skin, husky voice, delayed sexual maturation).

What is hypothyroidism cretinism?

Cretinism is a condition of severely stunted physical and mental growth due to untreated congenital deficiency of thyroid hormones (congenital hypothyroidism). Congenital hypothyroidism can be endemic, genetic, or sporadic.

What is the pathophysiology of cretinism?

Cretinism is believed to be the result of a congenital anomaly in the thyroid gland. Cretinism can be caused by thyroid dysgenesis which is the most common cause of cretinism. Thyroid dysgenesis may be due to the absence of the thyroid gland, ectopic growth of the gland, or hypoplastic gland.

Do cretins still exist?

Until about a century ago, ‘cretinism’ was endemic throughout large parts of the Alps. Sufferers often had a visibly enlarged thyroid gland, and in the worst cases were severely retarded. Although ‘goiter belts’ in North America and Europe have been eradicated, the disease remains common throughout the world.

What is meant by endemic cretinism?

The term endemic cretinism applies to individuals born and living in areas of severe iodine deficiency and endemic goiter exhibiting irreversible anomalies of intellectual and physical development not explained by other causes than the environmental factors responsible for goiter.

What happens cretinism?

Congenital hypothyroidism, previously known as cretinism, is a severe deficiency of thyroid hormone in newborns. It causes impaired neurological function, stunted growth, and physical deformities.

What does hypersecretion mean?

Hypersecretion is when an excess of one or more hormone is secreted from a gland. Hyposecretion is when the amount of hormones that are released is too low.

What is cretinism?

Ananthapuramu, A.P., India. 9 May 2014 1 2. • cretinism: ’congenital disease’ due to ab sence or deficiency of normal thyroid secre tion, characterized by physicaldeformity, d warfism, and mental retardation, and often by goiter.

What is cretinism&hypothyroidism?

Cretinism & Hypothyroidism in Children Dr.K.V.Giridhar Associate Prof. of Pediatrics GMC. Ananthapuramu, A.P., India. 9 May 2014 1 2. • cretinism: ’congenital disease’ due to ab sence or deficiency of normal thyroid secre tion, characterized by physicaldeformity, d warfism, and mental retardation, and often by goiter.

How is cretinism diagnosed and treated?

It is typically diagnosed during infancy or childhood, however, the best preventive strategy is the screening of neonates. It is important to diagnose and treat cretinism early, a delay may lead to irreversible damage. Replacement of the hormone will produce an immediate effect.

What is the cause of endemic cretinism?

Iodine deficiency in the diet (Endemic cretinism). In children, hypothyroidism is the cause of cretinism. Total T4 and T3 level may be normal due to increased TBG (Thyroxine binding globulin). The elevated level of TBG may be due to maternal hyperestrogenism.