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Case Reports
. 2011 Feb 17:2011:bcr1120103555.
doi: 10.1136/bcr.11.2010.3555.

Hypocalcaemic laryngospasm in the emergency department

M J van Veelen  1 , M F Visser, M G A Baggen, A Dees
Affiliations
Case Reports

Hypocalcaemic laryngospasm in the emergency department

M J van Veelen et al. BMJ Case Rep. .

Abstract

A 51-year-old African male presented to the emergency department with a sore throat, a productive cough and a striking pinched voice. Investigation revealed severe hypocalcaemia (0.97 mmol/l) with a prolonged QT interval on ECG. The authors administered intravenous calcium in the emergency department, which instantly improved the quality of the patient's voice. He was eventually diagnosed with primary hypoparathyroidism and an upper airway infection. Severe hypocalcaemia is a life-threatening condition. Identifying laryngospasm as an atypical presentation in the presence of a concomitant airway infection and prompt treatment in the emergency department are critical.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests None.

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