Cretinism laboratory findings
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ahmed Elsaiey, MBBCH [2]
Overview
Overview
Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of cretinism include abnormal levels of thyroid hormones and thyroid stimulating hormone. High TSH and low T4 levels are consistent with primary cretinism. High TSH and normal T4 levels are consistent with sub-clinical cretinism.
Laboratory Findings
Laboratory Findings
- Measuring the levels of thyroid hormones (T4) and thyroid releasing hormone (TSH) is performed to confirm the diagnosis of cretinism.[1]
- Laboratory findings consistent with cretinism differ according to the underlying cause. Laboratory findings according to the causes are as the following:
- Primary congenital hypothyroidism: High TSH and low T4 levels.
- Subclinical hypothyroidism: High TSH and normal T4 levels.
- Secondary (central) hypothyroidism: Low TSH and low T4 levels.
References
References
- ↑ Léger J, Olivieri A, Donaldson M, Torresani T, Krude H, van Vliet G; et al. (2014). “European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology consensus guidelines on screening, diagnosis, and management of congenital hypothyroidism”. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 99 (2): 363–84. doi:10.1210/jc.2013-1891. PMC 4207909. PMID 24446653.
Looking for the patient version?
© 2026 MyEClinic – IFTM Institut für Telematik in der Medizin GmbH