Delayed Hypoparathyroidism Following Thyroidectomy

Abstract

Hypoparathyroidism is the most common complication following total thyroidectomy, occurring in 7.6% following anterior neck surgeries. The majority (19%–38%) of postoperative hypoparathyroidism is transient, resolving within 6 months, and permanent hypoparathyroidism is observed in 1.5% after total thyroidectomy, increasing to 6.4% in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy with prophylactic neck dissection. A 26-year-old Indian married woman, a mother of a 6-month-old baby currently lactating, presented with complaints of multiple joint pains and fever of 3-day duration with a history of thyroidectomy 8 years back and developed symptoms of hypocalcemia during the hospital stay. Evaluation revealed hypoparathyroidism. The nonspecific nature of hypocalcemic symptoms and lack of continuous follow-up for a long time after thyroidectomy could contribute to a delay in the diagnosis of hypoparathyroidism. However, it is an important diagnosis to consider in any patient with a history of neck surgery.