Congenital iodine deficiency disorders (endemic cretinism): history and description

Endemic cretinism remains a major preventable cause of intellectual and physical disability in isolated communities in Third World countries. Although endemic goitre has been studied for centuries endemic cretinism and its relationship to iodine deficiency has only been studied in more recent times. The article traces the history of endemic cretinism and describes both the myxedematous and neurological types. Etiology, pathogenesis and developmental sequelae of the condition are discussed and the physical and psychological characteristics are delineated.