Acute dyspnea caused by hypocalcemia-related laryngospasm

Laryngospasm is a rare cause of stridor in adults, and laryngospasm due to hypocalcemia is an unusual finding.

We present a case of an adult woman with acute dyspnea. A week prior to presentation, she experienced short episodes of a pinching feeling in her throat and difficulty breathing. On primary assessment, stridor and a positive Trousseau sign were noted. Laboratory examination showed hypocalcemia. We concluded that the dyspnea was caused by laryngospasm due to hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia was treated promptly, and stridor and dyspnea resolved rapidly. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Laryngospasm is a rare, but serious and potentially lethal, complication of hypocalcemia in adults. In every adult presenting with acute dyspnea and stridor, the possibility of hypocalcemia should be considered. Hypocalcemia should be treated promptly.