cre·tin·ism (krtn-zm)n.
A congenital condition due to thyroid hormone deficiency during fetal development and marked in childhood by dwarfed stature, mental retardation, dystrophy of the bones, and a low basal metabolism. Also called congenital myxedema, cretinoid dysplasia.
CONDITION produced in infants and children due to lack of thyroid hormone
USUALLY RESULTS from a congenital defect (e.g., absence of the thyroid, presence of only a rudimentary gland, inability of the gland to produce thyroxine)
CAN develop later if there is a lack of iodine in the diet, or if the thyroid is diseased or surgically removed
CAUSES very serious retardation of physical and mental development; if the condition is left untreated, growth is stunted and the physical stature attained is that of a dwarf
IN ADDITION, the skin is thick, flabby, and waxy in color, the nose is flattened, the abdomen protrudes, and there is a general slowness of movement and speech
IF discovered early enough and treated with thyroid extract and sufficient iodine intake throughout life, growth may become normal and mental facility greatly improved
IF the condition commences after adulthood is reached it is called myxedema myxedema (mĭksədē`mə), condition associated with severe hypothyroidism and lack of thyroid hormone in the adult. In the child it is known as cretinism
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