Cretinism: Case report

Congenital hypothyroidism is the most common congenital endocrinopathy; it is also the leading cause of preventable mental retardation and has severe socioeconomical consequences. We report the case of a 10 year-old girl admitted for a typical clinical presentation of hypothyroidism with cretinism and dwarfism (height at 78 cm). Treatment was started immediately with levothyroxine. Neonatal screening for this disease should be generalized in our country, not only because it is a cause of avoidable mental retardation, but also because this would be one of the most cost-effective secondary prevention programs.