Simultaneous dysphagia and stridor: an unreported presentation of hypocalcaemia.

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Authors
Bhamra, Navdeep
Darr, Adnan
Murphy, John
Thomas, Charlotte
Issue Date
2020-09-30
Journal
Type
Article
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Keywords
Bronchial spasm
Calcium
Case report
Deglutition disorders
Dysphagia
Dysphonia
Follow-up studies
Hypesthesia
Hypocalcaemia
Operative
Surgical procedures
Surgery specialty
Thyroid
Thyroidectomy
Tingling sensation
Panendoscopy
Patient outcomes
Postoperative complications
Peer-reviewed article
Preoperative screening
Journal Title
Journal of Surgical Case Reports
Volume
2020
Issue
9
Begin page
1
End page
2
Abstract
Hypocalcaemia is a well-recognized complication of total thyroidectomy surgery. Patients who develop post-operative hypocalcaemia often report symptoms of neuromuscular instability including peripheral numbness and/or tingling. In severe cases, larygospasm with stridor and bronchospasm can occur. We present the first reported case in the literature, to our knowledge, of a 58-year-old male presenting with intermittent exertional stridor, dysphonia and dysphagia following thyroid surgery 2 years previously. Clinical and radiological investigations were unremarkable. Pre-operative screening for a planned panendoscopy to investigate his symptoms highlighted a profound hypocalcaemia (adjusted calcium 1.42 mmol/l). Following calcium replacement therapy, his symptoms subsided. There is an absence of literature describing both dysphagia and stridor synchronously. We not only advocate regular routine follow-up and compliance assessments for such patients but also the consideration of hypocalcaemia as a differential in any patient presenting with such symptoms following any thyroid surgery.
Citation
Thomas C, Bhamra N, Darr A, Amlani A, Murphy J. Simultaneous dysphagia and stridor: an unreported presentation of hypocalcaemia. J Surg Case Rep. 2020 Sep 30;2020(9):rjaa317. doi: 10.1093/jscr/rjaa317. PMID: 33024528; PMCID: PMC7524587.