[Hyperthyroidism in childhood].

Pathogenesis of Graves' disease, the most frequent cause of infantile hyperthyroidism, is not definitely clarified. The role of thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins as the cause of hyperthyroidism, goiter and exophthalmos in Graves' disease is analytically considered. Genetic factors are also discussed. The Authors report some personal clinical observations emphasizing the polymorphic clinical course of the infantile Graves' disease. The diagnostic procedures and the therapeutical management are successively analyzed. Pathogenesis and clinical picture of neonatal thyrotoxicosis and Plummer's disease, two not frequent conditions, are finally examined.