Early costochondral calcification in adolescent hyperthyroidism.

The finding of extensive costochondral calcification in five adolescents, aged 14-16 years, with hyperthyroidism prompted a retrospective study of all young persons with this condition seen in the last 10 years. Thirty-six patients with hyperthyroidism (ages 13-18 years) were evaluated. Of 32 thyrotoxic teenage girls, 21 (66%) showed some degree of calcification, compared with 73 of 600 (12%) in the control group. Only four boys were evaluated, but one had grade 2 (mild) calcification that was not seen in any boy in the control group. Costochondral calcification increases with age and continues throughout life, reflecting the aging process. The much higher incidence of early costochondral calcification in thyrotoxic adolescents than in the general population is a radiographic indication of advanced bone maturation not previously recognized.