Levothyroxine use in children has been associated with which condition?

Levothyroxine use in children has been associated with which condition?

• A. Keratoconus
• B. Retinitis pigmentosa
• C. Pseudotumor cerebri
• D. Cataracts

Answer: (C)

Levothyroxine use in children has been linked to pseudotumor cerebri, a condition of increased intracranial pressure without an actual brain tumor. In kids on thyroid hormone replacement, this can present as headaches with or without vision changes and papilledema on eye exam. The exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, but rapid shifts in thyroid state or CSF dynamics during treatment adjustments are thought to play a role. Recognize the signs early because papilledema can threaten vision if intracranial pressure remains elevated. Management involves coordinating with endocrinology to adjust thyroid therapy and addressing the intracranial hypertension—often with measures like acetazolamide and monitoring, and pursuing further evaluation if symptoms persist. Keratoconus, retinitis pigmentosa, and cataracts are not the classic associations with levothyroxine in children.

Levothyroxine use in children has been linked to pseudotumor cerebri, a condition of increased intracranial pressure without an actual brain tumor. In kids on thyroid hormone replacement, this can present as headaches with or without vision changes and papilledema on eye exam. The exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, but rapid shifts in thyroid state or CSF dynamics during treatment adjustments are thought to play a role. Recognize the signs early because papilledema can threaten vision if intracranial pressure remains elevated. Management involves coordinating with endocrinology to adjust thyroid therapy and addressing the intracranial hypertension—often with measures like acetazolamide and monitoring, and pursuing further evaluation if symptoms persist. Keratoconus, retinitis pigmentosa, and cataracts are not the classic associations with levothyroxine in children.