Which condition is characterized by short stature, intellectual impairment, and a thick tongue?

The condition characterized by short stature, intellectual impairment, and a thick tongue is congenital hypothyroidism. This endocrine disorder occurs when the thyroid gland is underactive from birth, leading to insufficient levels of thyroid hormones.

Thyroid hormones are crucial for normal growth and development, particularly in infancy and early childhood. Inadequate levels can result in physical growth delays, leading to short stature. Additionally, hypothyroidism can affect cognitive functions, resulting in intellectual impairment. The thick tongue often observed in this condition is due to myxedema, a buildup of mucopolysaccharides in body tissues that is seen in severe cases of thyroid hormone deficiency.

Recognizing the symptoms associated with congenital hypothyroidism is critical, as early diagnosis and treatment with thyroid hormone replacement therapy can mitigate many of the developmental consequences, such as intellectual impairment and growth failure.