Hypoparathyroidism in systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

We present the case of a man diagnosed with lupus and hypoparathyroidism. This combined diagnosis has very rarely been reported, which is surprising given the evidence that idiopathic hypoparathyroidism can be due to autoimmunity, the multiplicity of organ systems that lupus can affect and the evidence that other endocrinopathies such as hypothyroidism do occur at increased rates in patients with lupus. Hypoparathyroidism does not always cause overt clinical symptoms but the resultant hypocalcemia be a significant health risk. In addition to presenting the case, we review the relevant literature and offer a discussion.