What is Hypoparathyroidism?

Hypoparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism. Brain computed tomography shows diffuse symmetric parenchymal calcifications involving the cerebellar dentate nuclei (A), basal ganglia (B), and periventricular white matter (C). Widespread intracranial calcifications in a patient with hypoparathyroidism: Seo JY, Seo JH, Choe Y, Seok H, Sohn TS - The Korean journal of internal medicine (2016). Not altered. CC.

Hypoparathyroidism is low parathyroid hormone. This may cause hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and increased neuromuscular irritability. Patients may present with myalgias, muscle spasms, and tetany.

Causes of hypoparathyroidism include: 

  • Iatrogenic (surgery, thyroid surgery) related hypoparathyroidism
  • Autoimmune related hypoparathyroidism
  • Genetic related hypoparathyroidism

What are the Signs Associated with Hypoparathyroidism? 

The signs associated with hypoparathyroidism include: 

  • Chovstek sign
  • Trousseau sign

What is the Chovstek Sign?

Chvostek sign is facial twitching.

What is the Trousseau Sign?

The Trousseau sign is observed in patients with low calcium which shows hand and forearm spasms after a blood pressure cuff is used.

What is Pseudohypoparathyroidism? 

Pseudohypoparathyroidism is a group of rare endocrine disorders characterized by normal renal function and resistance to the action of parathyroid hormone.