CONGENITAL HYPOPARATHYROIDISM SIMULATING EPILEPSY, WITH OTHER SYMPTOMS AND DENTAL SIGNS OF INTRA-UTERINE HYPOCALCEMIA

Abstract

A 10-year-old girl presented with bilateral cataracts, nail deformities, and dental changes associated with hypocalcemia. Past history revealed the occurrence of several episodes of epileptic seizures, which were treated unsuccessfully with anti-epileptic drugs. Clinical signs and laboratory tests confirmed the diagnosis of idiopathic hypoparathyroidism, and the patient was treated successfully with viatmin D2 and oral calcium. The improvement in the patient's condition, as indicated by the rise of serum calcium level, was further demonstrated by improvement in the electrocardiographic and electroencephalographic examinations, which prior to treatment showed disturbed patterns of the type observed in severe hypocalcemia and convulsive disorders. The interesting observation of episodes of intrauterine hypocalcemia, probably due to hypoparathyroidism in utero, is made on noting the effects on dentition. The problem of intrauterine suppression of the fetal parathyroid glands is discussed.