Cretinism: Comparative features of neurologic and myxomatous subtypes
| Neurologic cretinisma | Myxomatous cretinisma | |
|---|---|---|
| Period of intrauterine iodine deficiency | Early in pregnancy (maternal hypothyroidism) | Late in pregnancy |
| Continuing postnatal iodine deficiency | No | Yes |
| Deaf-mutism | Often present | Absent |
| Neurologic deficits Gait disturbances Spasticity Squinting | Often present | Absent |
| Growth | Normal | Growth retardation Epiphyseal dysgenesis |
| Physical signs of hypothyroidism Coarse, dry skin Hoarseness Delayed relaxation of reflexes | Absent | Present |
| Effect of thyroid hormone replacement | No effect | Improvement |
↵a The features of the two subtypes may overlap, depending on the duration and magnitude of postnatal hypothyroidism.