Hypothyroid goiter with tracheal compression in a child in Cote d'Ivoire

The purpose of this report is to describe a case involving a primary form of hypothyroid goiter with tracheal compression discovered late in a four-year-old child. Slowing of height and weight gain and mental retardation was irreversible. The child was treated using L-thyroxin. Systematic screening for hypothyroidism during the neonatal period is recommended in developing countries.