[Hypothyroidism in the elderly--a concealed disease]

Hypothyroidism in the elderly seldom corresponds to the text-book picture of this disorder. Symptoms and signs develop insidiously, and may easily be taken for the result of arteriosclerotic disease. Screening for hypothyroidism in elderly people is advocated, and serum-TSH is recommended as the primary investigation for such screening. Substitution with thyroxine must be started cautiously and with very small doses. Healthy people with subclinical hypothyroidism should be observed for the possible occurrence of symptoms and signs.