cretinism /krē″təniz′əm/ [Fr, cretin, idiot] , a congenital condition characterized by severe hypothyroidism and often associated with other endocrine abnormalities. Typical signs of cretinism include dwarfism, mental deficiency, puffy facial features, dry skin, large tongue, umbilical hernia, and muscular incoordination. The disorder occurs usually in areas where the diet is deficient in iodine and where goiter is common. Early treatment with thyroid hormone generally promotes normal physical growth but may not prevent cognitive impairment. The use of iodized salt has dramatically reduced the incidence of cretinism worldwide. The condition is increasingly rare, but in some geographic areas where iodine in the food is not sufficient, it remains a public health issue. See also familial cretinism. −cretinous, adj.
