Hypocalcemic laryngospasm and tetany in a child with renal dysplasia

Stridor is a common presenting sign of respiratory illness in the pediatric population-especially in the winter. Infrequently, tetany as a chief complaint may be seen with tetanus, seizures, and dystonic reactions to medications. There are few medical conditions that present with both symptoms. This is a case of a patient who presented to our emergency department in early winter with both stridor and tetany. The child was diagnosed with hypocalcemia resulting from a previously undiagnosed renal dysplasia and his symptoms resolved with the administration of IV calcium.