SAT-738 Adult-onset Hypocalcemia Revealing Digeorge Syndrome (22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome): A Rare Case Of Late Diagnosis

Abstract Disclosure: K. Poolpong: None. S. Siriwong: None. T. Raomanachai: None. DiGeorge syndrome (22q11.2 deletion syndrome) is typically diagnosed in childhood due to congenital cardiac anomalies, hypocalcemia, immune deficiency, or craniofacial features. Adult-onset hypocalcemia as the first clinical manifestation remains exceptionally rare. We report a 43-year-old Thai male with no known childhood developmental concerns who presented with acute carpal spasms. Biochemical evaluation revealed hypocalcemia (serum calcium 6.24 mg/dL), low phosphate, and inappropriately normal PTH (23.1 pg/mL), indicating primary hypoparathyroidism. His past medical history included treated thyrotoxicosis. Physical examination revealed positive Chvostek and Trousseau signs, a harsh pansystolic murmur grade 3/6 at the left mid and lower parasternal border, cleft palate with dental loss, and mild bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. ECG showed QTc prolongation (488 ms), and echocardiography confirmed a small perimembranous ventricular septal defect. Genetic testing via FISH confirmed a 22q11.2 microdeletion, establishing the diagnosis of DiGeorge syndrome. He was treated with intravenous calcium followed by oral calcium carbonate and calcitriol, with resolution of symptoms and normalization of serum calcium. This case is noteworthy for the absence of classical phenotypic clues in childhood and the unusually late onset of hypocalcemia as the first clinical trigger. Compared to other adult DiGeorge cases, our patient had no prior seizures, psychobehavioral symptoms, or neonatal hypocalcemia. Instead, the diagnosis was guided by careful clinical examination and interpretation of subtle features such as cleft palate and congenital murmur. To our knowledge, this case represents one of the latest-age first clinical presentations of DiGeorge syndrome, where isolated hypocalcemia initiated diagnosis. This highlights the importance of considering congenital syndromes such as DiGeorge syndrome in adults with unexplained hypoparathyroidism, especially without history of neck surgery or other causes. Recognition of the 22q11.2 deletion changed the patient's management plan, prompting cardiac surveillance, audiologic support, and genetic counseling. This case underscores the pivotal role of thorough physical examination in uncovering subtle syndromic features that might otherwise go unrecognized. Timely diagnosis not only guides appropriate calcium replacement but also prompts lifelong surveillance and anticipatory care across specialties. Although current guidelines do not recommend routine genetic screening in adult hypocalcemia, this case demonstrates how phenotype-driven clinical judgment can guide appropriate testing and reveal overlooked congenital syndromes. Presentation: Saturday, July 12, 2025

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Journal of the Endocrine Society
Published
2025-10-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1210/jendso/bvaf149.594
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Congenital heart defects research
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.81
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

SAT-738 Adult-onset Hypocalcemia Revealing Digeorge Syndrome (22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome): A Rare Case Of Late Diagnosis

Kananart Poolpong, Sathapakorn Siriwong, Tussapon Raomanachai
1 citations
Journal of the Endocrine Society
Congenital heart defects research
0.81
article

SAT-738 Adult-onset Hypocalcemia Revealing Digeorge Syndrome (22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome): A Rare Case Of Late Diagnosis

Kananart Poolpong, Sathapakorn Siriwong, Tussapon Raomanachai
article en
1 citations

Abstract

Abstract Disclosure: K. Poolpong: None. S. Siriwong: None. T. Raomanachai: None. DiGeorge syndrome (22q11.2 deletion syndrome) is typically diagnosed in childhood due to congenital cardiac anomalies, hypocalcemia, immune deficiency, or craniofacial features. Adult-onset hypocalcemia as the first clinical manifestation remains exceptionally rare. We report a 43-year-old Thai male with no known childhood developmental concerns who presented with acute carpal spasms. Biochemical evaluation revealed hypocalcemia (serum calcium 6.24 mg/dL), low phosphate, and inappropriately normal PTH (23.1 pg/mL), indicating primary hypoparathyroidism. His past medical history included treated thyrotoxicosis. Physical examination revealed positive Chvostek and Trousseau signs, a harsh pansystolic murmur grade 3/6 at the left mid and lower parasternal border, cleft palate with dental loss, and mild bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. ECG showed QTc prolongation (488 ms), and echocardiography confirmed a small perimembranous ventricular septal defect. Genetic testing via FISH confirmed a 22q11.2 microdeletion, establishing the diagnosis of DiGeorge syndrome. He was treated with intravenous calcium followed by oral calcium carbonate and calcitriol, with resolution of symptoms and normalization of serum calcium. This case is noteworthy for the absence of classical phenotypic clues in childhood and the unusually late onset of hypocalcemia as the first clinical trigger. Compared to other adult DiGeorge cases, our patient had no prior seizures, psychobehavioral symptoms, or neonatal hypocalcemia. Instead, the diagnosis was guided by careful clinical examination and interpretation of subtle features such as cleft palate and congenital murmur. To our knowledge, this case represents one of the latest-age first clinical presentations of DiGeorge syndrome, where isolated hypocalcemia initiated diagnosis. This highlights the importance of considering congenital syndromes such as DiGeorge syndrome in adults with unexplained hypoparathyroidism, especially without history of neck surgery or other causes. Recognition of the 22q11.2 deletion changed the patient's management plan, prompting cardiac surveillance, audiologic support, and genetic counseling. This case underscores the pivotal role of thorough physical examination in uncovering subtle syndromic features that might otherwise go unrecognized. Timely diagnosis not only guides appropriate calcium replacement but also prompts lifelong surveillance and anticipatory care across specialties. Although current guidelines do not recommend routine genetic screening in adult hypocalcemia, this case demonstrates how phenotype-driven clinical judgment can guide appropriate testing and reveal overlooked congenital syndromes. Presentation: Saturday, July 12, 2025

Journal of the Endocrine SocietyVol. 9(Supplement_1)
Memorial Hospital (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 22%
Congenital heart defects research
0.81
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.