A Patient with speechlessness and rhabdomyolysis: a rare presentation of severe hypocalcaemia

Florine Helene Jiwa, Kim van den Hoek, Clementine Jaantje Joanna van Zeijl, Albertus Jozef Kooter

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A 29-year-old man with no medical history presented to our emergency department with episodes of sudden speechlessness, hoarseness, vomiting after drinking cold water and spasms of his hands. Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs were both seen at presentation. Blood tests revealed severe hypocalcaemia (1.03 mmol/L) and rhabdomyolysis (creatine kinase (CK) of 2962 IU/L). The patient was treated immediately with calcium intravenously with an almost immediate improvement of his voice and quick normalisation of his CK. Additional investigation showed primary hypoparathyroidism in the presence of a vitamin D deficiency, requiring lifelong treatment with calcium supplements and alphacalcidol. Severe hypocalcaemia can be life threatening and prompt treatment is essential. This case reports the unusual first presentation of hypocalcaemia via speechlessness and vomiting together with rhabdomyolysis. Identifying an atypical presentation of hypocalcaemia is critical, for it can be lifesaving.
Original languageEnglish
Article number238072
JournalBMJ Case Reports
Volume13
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 13 Dec 2020

Keywords

  • calcium and bone
  • emergency medicine
  • endocrinology
  • metabolic disorders

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