Endocrine Case Histories - Case 29
A 50-year-old male had a total thyroidectomy followed by thyroidhormone-replacement therapy.
Thirty-six hours later he developed laryngeal spasms, a mildtetany, and cramps in the muscles of the
hands and arms. The following tests were performed:
Urine calcium 20 mg/dL
Urine phosphorus 0.1 g/day
Plasma calcium 7.0 mg/dL
Plasma phosphorus 5.0 mg/dL
Calcium gluconate and vitamin D (calcitriol) were given orally eachday and the tetany and laryngeal
spasms were alleviated.
1. Discuss this patient’ blood values.
