Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026
07:13
Two Techniques to Create Hypoparathyroid Mice: Parathyroidectomy Using GFP Glands and Diphtheria-Toxin-Mediated Parathyroid Ablation
Published on: March 14, 2017
Hypocalcemic myopathy secondary to hypoparathyroidism
Seema M Policepatil1, Robert H Caplan, Michael Dolan
1Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation, La Crosse, Wis 54601, USA. basuseema@gmail.com
WMJ : Official Publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin
|September 14, 2012
Summary
Idiopathic hypoparathyroidism can cause myopathy, leading to muscle pain and elevated creatine kinase. Early diagnosis and treatment with calcium and calcitriol can effectively resolve these symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neurology
- Metabolic disorders
Background:
- Idiopathic hypoparathyroidism is a rare endocrine disorder characterized by deficient parathyroid hormone secretion.
- Myopathy, or muscle disease, is an uncommon but significant manifestation of hypoparathyroidism.
- Unexplained myalgia and elevated creatine kinase levels can be indicative of underlying metabolic disturbances.
Observation:
- A 48-year-old male presented with a six-year history of myalgia and elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels.
- Laboratory findings included hypocalcemia, inappropriately low-normal parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, hyperphosphatemia, and normal 25-hydroxy vitamin D.
- These biochemical results were consistent with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism.
Findings:
- The patient received treatment with calcium and calcitriol supplementation.
- Following treatment, the patient experienced significant clinical improvement in muscle pain.
- Creatine kinase levels normalized, indicating resolution of the myopathy.
Implications:
- This case highlights that myopathy can be a subtle presentation of idiopathic hypoparathyroidism.
- Measuring serum calcium is crucial for diagnosing hypoparathyroidism in patients with unexplained myopathy.
- Timely diagnosis and management of hypoparathyroidism can prevent or reverse associated muscular complications.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hypothyroidism is a disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy balance, and multiple organ systems.TypesHypothyroidism is classified based on the level of dysfunction. Primary hypothyroidism results from intrinsic thyroid gland dysfunction, causing reduced hormone production despite normal or increased stimulation. Secondary hypothyroidism arises from inadequate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion by the pituitary. Tertiary...
01:24Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...
00:59The Parathyroid Glands
The two pairs of parathyroid glands embedded within the posterior surface of the thyroid gland are restricted by a dense capsule around them. These glands comprise two distinct cell populations—parathyroid oxyphil and parathyroid principal cells- pivotal in calcium homeostasis.
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by producing...
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by producing...
01:27Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...
01:25Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology
Early Ischemia and Ionic ImbalanceWithin minutes of spinal cord injury, a secondary cascade begins, progressing over hours to weeks. Vascular damage reduces blood flow, causing ischemia and mitochondrial dysfunction. ATP depletion leads to ion pump failure, membrane depolarization, sodium influx, potassium efflux, and water accumulation, resulting in cellular swelling. Increased intracellular calcium further disrupts mitochondria and accelerates cellular injury.Excitotoxicity and Neuronal...
01:17Hormones and Bone Tissue
The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones, which interact with the skeletal system. These hormones control bone growth, maintain bone once it is formed, and remodel it.
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...