Iodine is the essential nutrient needed for thyroid hormone synthesis and its deficiency can produce wide spectrum of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). There is very little data available on IDD among adults in India. A cross sectional population survey was done to assess the iodine status and goitre prevalence among adult population of Kerala state where the ban on non-iodized salt is not implemented. House to house survey of 3,069 adults >18 years in the selected areas was carried out and the socio demographic, medical and nutritional status data including use of iodized salt were collected. Among these 986 subjects voluntarily participated in second phase of the study that included goitre grading and urine iodine estimation. showed that 97.4 % of the study populations were using iodized salt and median urine iodine excretion was 216.5 mcg/L suggesting sufficient iodine status. In the population, 15.4% was iodine deficient (<100 mcg/L) while 31.1 % had more than adequate iodine exertion (> 300mcg/L). Goitre prevalence was 12.1 % (M: 6%; F:16.1%). This observation of high goitre rate for a iodine sufficient area indicates the possible existence of other causes for goitre such as goitreogens or autoimmunity.

The association of thyroid disorders with skin manifestations is complex. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are known to cause these changes. In order to study this association of skin changes in relation to hypothyroidism, a study was carried out in the Out Patients Department of Dermatology of Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, over a period of 3 months from Jan - March 2005. Thirty two patients were enrolled in the study and parameters were noted regarding history, general symptoms, cutaneous signs and associated diseases. We found gain in weight (71.85%) and lethargy (65.62%) to be the most common complaints. On cutaneous examination dry, coarse texture of the skin (56%), telogen effluvium (40.62%) and pigmentary disorders (37.5%) were most common findings. Other associated disorders were vitiligo, melasma, pemphigus, alopecia areata, xanthelasma palpebrum, etc.

The normal range of TSH has been a recent subject of controversy. This review addresses both sides of this debate and attempts to provide a balanced perspective on the issue.

'Hot nodule' on radioisotope thyroid scan usually indicates presence of toxic adenoma. Hereby, we report a case of left hemi-thyroid agenesis with primary hypothyroidism presented with right sided 'Hot nodule' on radioisotope thyroid scan, which was in fact due to virtually complete tracer uptake by the right lobe of thyroid gland. This case focusses on the rare association of hemi- thyroid agenesis with primary hypothyroidism.