Although the same aetiological causes as in cretinism may be invoked, after the age of two years, truly acquired hypothyroidism (Fig. 14.26) is usually caused by Hashimoto's thyroiditis or iodine deficiency; symptoms and signs are similar to adult hypothyroidism. Short stature is very common, the bone age tends to be very retarded, and children tend to maintain infantile proportions because of poor linear bone growth.
