Diffuse Calcinosis from Total Thyroidectomy and Secondary Hypocalcaemia

Hypoparathyroidism is a rare endocrine disorder and its main cause is cervical surgery such as thyroidectomy. The incidence of hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy varies, and is reported to be between 0.3 and 6.3%. In terms of brain imaging, hypoparathyroidism can cause calcification mainly of the basal ganglia, with other areas rarely affected. Concerning extracerebral calcification, few studies have investigated the prevalence of visceral calcifications. We describe a case of a woman with secondary hypocalcaemia who presented with a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and the investigation revealed an extensive calcinosis of the brain and the vascular structures responsible for the event.

Iatrogenic hypoparathyroidism with hypocalcaemia is an important complication of total thyroidectomy. Hypocalcaemia manifestations can vary from asymptomatic to life-threatening conditions.Hypoparathyroidism (with hypocalcaemia) can cause cerebral calcification mainly of basal ganglia, with other areas of the brain rarely affected.Extracerebral calcifications are under-studied.