Post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia exacerbated by chyle leak

[摘要] Transient hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy is not uncommon and the risk increases with the extent of neck surgery.We report a case of severe and prolonged hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy complicated by thoracic duct injury.Hypoparathyroidism and thoracic duct injury are potential complications following total thyroidectomy withextensive lymph node dissection. This case suggested that having both conditions may complicate treatment ofhypoparathyroid-induced hypocalcemia by way of losses of calcium and vitamin D in the chyle leak.

[学科分类] 血液学

[关键词] Adult;Male;White;United States;Thyroid;Thyroid;Tetany;Calcitonin;Calcium (serum);PTH;Thyroidectomy;Desmopressin;Diet;Lymph node dissection;Calcium gluconate;Calcitriol;Vitamin D;Octreotide;Somatostatin analogues;Calcium carbonate;Surgery;Otolaryngology;Unique/unexpected symptoms or presentations of a disease;March;2015