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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

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Published on: December 1, 2023
A delayed diagnosis: stridor secondary to hypocalcemia
Hypocalcemia, a condition typically seen in children, can cause laryngeal stridor in the elderly. This case report details an elderly patient whose stridor was successfully treated with calcium replacement therapy.
Area of Science:
- Geriatrics
- Endocrinology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Hypocalcemia presenting with stridor is common in pediatric patients.
- Laryngeal stridor as a symptom of hypocalcemia is rarely reported in the elderly population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of hypocalcemia-induced laryngeal stridor in an elderly patient.
- To highlight the importance of considering hypocalcemia in elderly patients with unexplained stridor.
Main Methods:
- A case report of an elderly patient presenting with dyspnea and laryngeal stridor.
- Review of the patient's medical history, including prior thyroidectomy.
- Diagnostic evaluation to determine the etiology of the stridor.
Main Results:
- The patient experienced recurrent episodes of stridor and dyspnea for two years.
- The cause of the stridor was identified as hypocalcemia secondary to thyroidectomy.
- Calcium replacement therapy led to complete resolution of the stridor.
Conclusions:
- Hypocalcemia can manifest as laryngeal stridor in the elderly, a presentation often overlooked.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment with calcium supplementation are crucial for managing hypocalcemia-induced stridor in geriatric patients.
- Thyroidectomy is a significant risk factor for developing hypocalcemia-related complications in the elderly.
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