RAPID ESTIMATION OF THYROID FUNCTION BY PHOTOMOTOGRAPHY.

The usefulness of photomotographic determination of the duration of the ankle reflex in the diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction was studied. Diagnoses by photomotography and I(131) uptake were in accord in 28 normals (260-380 milliseconds), 14 hypothyroid (390-600) and 21 hyperthyroid patients (160-250). Euthyroid reflex duration did not vary in 141 healthy persons when considered in terms of race, sex, age and pregnancy. In 172 patients, psychiatric or neuromuscular illness, heart failure, fever or several drugs had no effect. Hyperthyroidism was erroneously diagnosed in seven euthyroid subjects; there were no false hypothyroid values. Photomotography is helpful in the diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction, especially hypothyroidism.