Severe hypocalcaemia following parathyroidectomy can cause coronary vasospasm that mimics an inferior-posterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction on ECG.
Case Report (n=1)
Severe hypocalcaemia post-parathyroidectomy can cause coronary vasospasm that mimics an acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction on ECG.
A man in his 30s with primary hyperparathyroidism underwent an elective four-gland parathyroid exploration with intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring. On the fourth postoperative day (POD), the patient presented to the emergency department with severe symptomatic hypocalcaemia. ECG findings were in keeping with inferior–posterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI); however, he was asymptomatic with no chest pain. Biochemistry revealed elevated serial troponin levels. Coronary angiogram and transthoracic echocardiogram were normal, suggesting coronary vasospasm, mimicking STEMI on ECG because of severe hypocalcaemia post parathyroidectomy. This is an uncommon and unreported complication of parathyroid surgery. The patient was successfully managed with intravenous calcium and discharged on oral calcium replacement on the tenth POD.
P Bloomfield (Sat,) conducted a case report in Primary hyperparathyroidism with severe hypocalcaemia mimicking STEMI (n=1). Four-gland parathyroid exploration was evaluated on Severe symptomatic hypocalcaemia mimicking STEMI. Severe hypocalcaemia following parathyroidectomy can cause coronary vasospasm that mimics an inferior-posterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction on ECG.