Goiter in Infancy and Childhood

Abstract

Thyroid dysfunction is the most common endocrine disturbance in childhood and is commonly associated with thyroid enlargement. Although the enlarged thyroid may vary greatly in size, shape and consistency, its functional activity may be normal, decreased or increased. Thyroid disorders in infancy and childhood discussed here include hyperthyroidism, acute pyogenic inflammation, subacute and chronic auto-immune thyroiditis, Riedel's struma, nodular goiter and carcinoma.