Which condition is associated with an increased prevalence of thyroid dysgenesis?

• A. Male gender
• B. Down syndrome
• C. Maternal diabetes
• D. None of the above

Answer: (B)

Thyroid dysgenesis occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t develop or migrate properly during fetal growth, and it is a common cause of congenital hypothyroidism. This condition is known to occur more often with certain congenital anomalies, notably Down syndrome. Infants with trisomy 21 have a higher chance of having thyroid dysgenesis compared with the general population, which is why Down syndrome is the condition you’re looking for here.

Male gender isn’t associated with an increased risk for thyroid dysgenesis, and maternal diabetes is linked to other congenital issues but not specifically to a higher prevalence of thyroid dysgenesis. So the association that best fits is Down syndrome.