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Reversible peripheral neuropathy in idiopathic hypoparathyroidism
Author(s) -
Goswami R.,
Bhatia M.,
Goyal R.,
Kochupillai N.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
acta neurologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.967
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1600-0404
pISSN - 0001-6314
DOI - 10.1034/j.1600-0404.2002.1c031.x
Subject(s) - tetany , medicine , hypoparathyroidism , peripheral neuropathy , hypocalcaemia , electrophysiology , peripheral , endocrinology , calcium , diabetes mellitus
We describe a 40‐year‐old male with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism presenting with tetany, proximal weakness, signs of hypocalcaemia including Chvostek and Trousseau's and diminished tendon reflexes in the upper and lower limbs. Electrophysiological studies revealed a sensory‐motor neuropathy, predominantly axonal as evidenced by decreased CMAP amplitudes, with normal distal latencies‐velocites, except for median nerve where a prolonged distal latency was observed. Serial nerve conduction studies were performed at repeated intervals for 2 years, while he received treatment for hypoparathyroidism (calcium and vitamin D supplementation). A progressive improvement in neuropathy both clinical and on electrophysiological studies was observed. Occurrence of peripheral neuropathy in hypocalcaemic states such as hypoparathyroidism and its reversibility after normalization of calcium homeostasis lend proof to the role of critical Ca 2+ ion concentration in the normal functioning of the peripheral axons.