HYPOPARATHYROID CARDIAC-FAILURE - AN UNUS UAL PRESENTATION

The case of a 37 year old woman with hypoparathyroid congestive heart failure (CHF) is reported. Thyroidectomy had been performed eight year s earlier and she had experienced symptoms of hypocalcemia postoperati vely. CHF improved rapidly and completely with the treatment of hypoca lcemia. Good prognosis is emphasized but it is necessary to think abou t this cause of ventricular dysfunction in a patient with CHF and a hi story of neck surgery in order to make an early diagnosis. Pathogenic mechanisms and differential diagnosis are discussed.