Cretinism is best described as which of the following?

• A. A congenital autoimmune thyroiditis.
• B. A juvenile form of Hashimoto's disease.
• C. An acquired thyroid deficiency presenting in adulthood.
• D. Congenital hypothyroidism in children causing lack of mental development and short stature.

Answer: (D)

Cretinism is a congenital deficiency of thyroid hormone that affects brain development and growth. Because it is present from birth, it leads to mental retardation and short stature if not treated early. It is not autoimmune thyroiditis or Hashimoto’s disease, which are not congenital; nor is it an acquired deficiency in adulthood. Early detection and thyroid hormone replacement can prevent most of the developmental problems.