Work

Rickets in a child with prolonged acquired hypothyroidism secondary to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: Summary: Skeletal abnormalities with delayed bone age and decreased linear bone growth are commonly found in children with prolonged juvenile hypothyroidism. However, rachitic bone abnormalities have not been previously reported in children with acquired hypothyroidism. Here, we present a case of newly found rickets in an 8-year-old female with untreated acquired hypothyroidism secondary to Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Laboratory finding for abnormalities in calcium/phosphorus homeostasis and hormones that regulate skeletal health was normal. Her radiographic anomalies resolved with levothyroxine treatment alone, suggesting that hypothyroidism was the etiology of the rickets. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of rickets associated with long-standing severe acquired hypothyroidism that resolved exclusively with thyroid repletion. Learning points: Thyroid hormone plays an important role in bone mineralization. Prolonged hypothyroidism can result in rachitic bone abnormalities noted on radiographs. Hypothyroidism should be considered in the evaluation of a child with rickets.

Source: Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism Case Reports

DOI: 10.1530/edm-22-0267

Authors: Caroline Schulmeister, Jason Lee, Farzana Perwad, Roger Long, Shylaja Srinivasan

Institutions: University of California, San Francisco, University of California, Davis, University of Pennsylvania

Language: English

Topic: Thyroid Disorders and Treatments

Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $612