Etymed
hypoparathyroidism
Definition
A medical condition characterized by insufficient production of parathyroid hormone by the parathyroid glands, leading to low calcium levels in the blood
Clinical context
A 35-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with complaints of numbness and tingling in her fingertips and around her mouth that has been worsening over the past few hours. She recently underwent thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid cancer and is now experiencing muscle spasms and a positive Chvostek's sign. Laboratory studies reveal low serum calcium levels and elevated phosphate levels. The patient's condition is most likely due to accidental removal of the parathyroid glands during surgery.
Mnemonic
Hypoparathyroidism = 'Hypo' calcium, 'Para'lyzing tetany, 'T'ingling fingers, 'Hy'drophobia'
These morphemes also unlock…
- hypo- — below; deficient
- para- — beside; near
- thyr/o — thyroid; shield
- -oid — resembling
- -ism — condition; state