Clinical and ultrasound features of congenital hypothyroidism

• Published in: Revista chilena de pediatria Vol. 85; no. 1; p. 98
• Main Authors: Moënne B, Karla, Ortega E, Ximena, Pérez M, Manuela, Mericq G, Verónica
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Chile 01-02-2014
• Subjects: Congenital Hypothyroidism - diagnosis; Congenital Hypothyroidism - diagnostic imaging; Congenital Hypothyroidism - physiopathology; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Neonatal Screening - methods; Radionuclide Imaging - methods; Thyroid Gland - diagnostic imaging; Thyroid Gland - physiopathology; Ultrasonography
• ISSN: 0717-6228
• DOI: 10.4067/S0370-41062014000100014

Congenital hypothyroidism is a condition where a newborn has decreased or absent thyroid function and thyroid hormone production. It is the most common cause of preventable mental retardation and its early diagnosis can only be achieved through systematic neonatal screening because its clinical manifestations are usually late. The etiologic study of this condition relies heavily on nuclear medicine and ultrasound, describing various findings. This research analyzed the characteristics of the ultrasound patterns observed in these children and their correlation with the most common etiologies. The use of ultrasound allows selecting children that require scintigraphic studies, decreasing the use of radiation in neonates.