title: Profound hypocalcaemia associated with bilateral cataracts post-total thyroidectomy.
abstract: Profound hypocalcaemia is an uncommon presentation from primary care. We describe a case of hypocalcaemia presenting 4 years after total thyroidectomy. Long-term complications of chronic hypocalcaemia are rarely seen in clinical practice today, but had occurred in this case with the development of bilateral cataracts. All patients should be monitored following thyroidectomy to ensure that hypocalcaemia does not persist. In addition to this, patients with a history of thyroid surgery presenting with cataracts should have serum calcium measured.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Pathology, Luton & Dunstable Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Lewsey Road, Luton, UK.
authors.forename: Danielle B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Freedman
authors.forename: Natalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Housley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood*; D002386:Cataract / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D006996:Hypocalcemia / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013959:Thyroid Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D013965:Thyroidectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D002118:Calcium