Severe Hypocalcemia Leading to Trousseau's Sign

Hypocalcemia is a common complication post-total thyroidectomy. This case report of a young woman with a rare finding on a physical examination highlights the need for patient education, routine laboratory work, and follow-up post-total thyroidectomy. Hypocalcemia is an electrolyte abnormality with numerous causes including chronic kidney disease, vitamin D deficiency, rhabdomyolysis, medications, and hyperventilation. In this report, we discuss the complications and management of hypocalcemia associated with total thyroidectomy. Significant complications include the lifelong need for T4, hypocalcemia, and recurrent and superior laryngeal nerve injuries. The study concludes with the importance of careful primary care follow-ups, medication adherence, and education in postoperative management.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-03-11
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.80401
Primary Topic
Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Severe Hypocalcemia Leading to Trousseau's Sign

Teresa Burke, Damián Casadesús, Cesar M Almanza, Logan C Hager
Cureus
Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery
article

Severe Hypocalcemia Leading to Trousseau's Sign

Teresa Burke, Damián Casadesús, Cesar M Almanza, Logan C Hager
article en

Abstract

Hypocalcemia is a common complication post-total thyroidectomy. This case report of a young woman with a rare finding on a physical examination highlights the need for patient education, routine laboratory work, and follow-up post-total thyroidectomy. Hypocalcemia is an electrolyte abnormality with numerous causes including chronic kidney disease, vitamin D deficiency, rhabdomyolysis, medications, and hyperventilation. In this report, we discuss the complications and management of hypocalcemia associated with total thyroidectomy. Significant complications include the lifelong need for T4, hypocalcemia, and recurrent and superior laryngeal nerve injuries. The study concludes with the importance of careful primary care follow-ups, medication adherence, and education in postoperative management.

CureusVol. 17(3)
Jackson Memorial Hospital (US), American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (SX)
Openalex Percentile: Top 92%
Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery
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