[Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis in children and adolescents: apropos of 51 cases]

Fifty one patients were diagnosed as having chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, according the Fisher's criteria. Their ages range was between 4.2 to 17.8 years. According to their basal values of T4 and TSH, they were divided into the following groups: 1. Euthyroids (n = 14), with both thyroxine and thyrotrophin, within normal limits. 2. Hypothyroid group (n = 37), subdivided into: 2.a normal T4 and elevated TSH (n = 18); 2.b low T4 with high TSH (n = 19). The TRH test showed an exaggerated TSH response in four cases in the euthyroid group, and in all the cases of hypothyroid group. This test carried out at the time of diagnosis, can show up alterations in thyroid function, which are not detected by basal assessments of T4 and TSH. The most frequent isotope scan image, was that of a unilateral decreased uptake in one lobe. We consider it to be of graf interest, given that the fine biopsies performed in this area were all positive.