Congenital iodine deficiency syndrome Congenital iodine deficiency syndrome Congenital iodine deficiency syndrome, previously known as cretinism, is a condition of severely stunted physical and mental growth owing to untreated congenital deficiency of thyroid hormone (congenital hypothyroidism) usually owing to maternal hypothyroidism. Around the world, the most common cause of congenital hypothyroidism is iodine deficiency. It has affected many people worldwide and continues to be a major public health problem in many countries. Iodine is an essential trace element, necessary primarily for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Iodine deficiency is the most common preventable cause of brain damage worldwide. Although iodine is found in many
Pseudo-goitre attached to the thyroid such as a true goitre, also moves along with thyroid. A pseudogoitre is unlikely if the area of fullness moves with swallowing. If pseudogoitre is due to cervical lordosis, the fullness disappears on straightening of the neck. A high-lying thyroid can be excluded by palpation. If the diagnosis is uncertain after clinical examination, an ultrasonogram is taken to rule out pathology of the neck. Pseudo-goitre Pseudo-goitre is the apparent fullness of the front part of the neck. It may be mistakenly diagnosed as thyroid enlargement. The cause for pseudogoitre can be fat tissue of the neck,