Subclínico

Subclínico, or subclinical, describes a state in which a disease or condition is present but does not produce noticeable symptoms for the patient. In medical contexts, subclinical disease may be detectable only through diagnostic tests, laboratory markers, or imaging, while the individual remains asymptomatic.

Subclinical disease can refer to conditions in early stages that might progress to a clinically evident illness if not detected, as well as chronic states with minimal or absent symptoms. It is distinct from being asymptomatic, where a person has no symptoms even if an infection or condition is present, and from latent infections, in which a pathogen is dormant rather than actively causing pathology.

Common examples include subclinical hypothyroidism, where thyroid-stimulating hormone is elevated but thyroid hormone levels are normal and there are no overt symptoms; subclinical atherosclerosis, identified by imaging or biomarkers without cardiovascular symptoms; and subclinical infections detected through screening tests or incidental findings. The concept is widely used in human and veterinary medicine and in epidemiology to describe situations where pathology is detectable by tools but not yet clinically evident.

The recognition of subclinical disease has clinical relevance for risk assessment, monitoring, and prevention. It can inform decisions about surveillance and potential early intervention, but it also carries the risk of overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment. Definitions and implications of subclinical status can vary by condition and clinical guidelines.