29.1k views
0 votes
Perioral numbness, Chvortek, Trousseau s/p Thyroidectomy, ↓[Ca], ↑[PO4], ↓[PTH]?

User Reon
by
7.7k points

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

A patient experiencing symptoms like perioral numbness and muscle cramps, along with specific lab findings after thyroidectomy, is likely suffering from hypoparathyroidism caused by damage to the parathyroid glands. This leads to hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia, with treatment involving calcium and vitamin D supplementation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient presenting with perioral numbness, positive Chvostek and Trousseau signs, a post-thyroidectomy status, decreased blood calcium (hypocalcemia), increased blood phosphate (hyperphosphatemia), and decreased parathyroid hormone (hypoparathyroidism) is likely suffering from complications after thyroid surgery.

The symptoms and the lab results suggest accidental removal or damage to the parathyroid glands leading to hypoparathyroidism. This gland is crucial for regulating calcium levels, and its malfunction leads to hypocalcemia, which causes neuromuscular disorders characterized by numbness, tingling, and muscle cramps. Health issues such as hair loss, dermatitis, depression, numbness and tingling in the extremities, as well as stronger neuromuscular irritability symptoms like muscle weakness, stiff joints, and potential seizures or convulsions, can be associated with these findings.

Treatment typically involves calcium and vitamin D supplementation to manage the low calcium levels and alleviate the symptoms. It is essential for patients experiencing these symptoms after thyroidectomy to seek medical attention promptly to correct the electrolyte imbalances and to avoid complications.

User Sawan Patodia
by
8.7k points