Role of ^99m technetium thyroid scan in assessment of cases of congenital hypothyroid - An institutional experience

Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is the most common preventable causes of intellectual impairment in infants. It can cause irreversible neuro development delay if not corrected with thyroxin replacement in infants. It has a worldwide annual incidence of 1:4000 live births. The etiology of the CH is very important in deciding disease severity, outcome, treatment and monitoring. TC-99m scan can provide information about the size, location and functional state of thyroid gland. Congenital hypothyroidism is one of the most serious and preventable condition which needs to be diagnosed as early as in the newborn period. Screening for CH should include USG neck and Tc thyroid scan along with TFT. It is very important to perform technetium scanning to see the exact etiology of the CH, that helps in predicting the prognosis and planning long term management