Pseudotumor cerebri as a presenting symptom of hypoparathyroidism in a thalassemia patient

Abstract

A 15-year-old patient with thalassemia major was admitted with restlessness, weakness and headache. On physical examination, signs of pseudotumor cerebri were evident. The serum calcium level was 1.35 mmol/1, and the serum phosphorous level 3.52 mmol/1. Subsequently, serum calcium, phosphorous 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were measured in a group of 29 thalassemic patients. Low levels of 25 OHD were found in the older patients. The PTH, calcium and phosphorous levels were normal.

Key Words:

• Hypoparathyroidism
• pseudotumor cerebri
• thalassemia