Reversible congestive heart failure in severe hypocalcemia

Abstract

We present a case of severe congestive left heart failure due to profound and long-term hypocalcemia caused by surgically induced hypoparathyroidism. Hypocalcemia as a potential contributor to heart failure should be included in the differential diagnosis of all patients with congestive heart failure who do not respond adequately to the usual treatment. By rapid correction of the serum calcium level unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic measures might be avoided. In addition, being aware of and treating hypocalcemia is crucial since this kind of heart failure is completely reversible with calcium and vitamin D treatment.The pivotal role of calcium in molecular and cellular biology is well known, but its clinical importance in day-to-day practice is often underestimated. Although some cases of heart failure resulting from hypocalcemia secondary to hypoparathyroidism have been published in the last 20 years, this subject is still poorly documented in almost all current textbooks.