Cretinism or congenital iodine deficiency syndrome is a congenital condition caused by hypothyroidism during pregnancy. It results in the child's development being stunted both physically and mentally. However, if detected early enough, it can be treated with a lifelong regimen of thyroxine resulting in near normal development. Cretinism usually occurs in geographical clusters in areas with poor sources of dietary iodine. This deficiency leads to widespread hypothyroidism in women.