Which sign is used to detect hypocalcemia after thyroid surgery?

Which sign is used to detect hypocalcemia after thyroid surgery?

• A. Chvostek sign
• B. Trousseau sign
• C. Allen sign
• D. Hogan sign

Answer: (A)

Hypocalcemia after thyroid surgery occurs because the parathyroid glands may be damaged or devascularized, leading to low calcium and increased neuromuscular irritability. The Chvostek sign is a quick bedside test where tapping the facial nerve just anterior to the ear elicits twitching of the ipsilateral facial muscles if calcium is low. This sign is particularly useful in the postoperative setting because it provides an immediate indication of hypocalcemia. Trousseau sign, which involves a carpopedal spasm after inflating a blood pressure cuff, can also indicate hypocalcemia but takes longer to perform and requires a cuff in place; Allen sign is not a standard test for hypocalcemia, and Hogan sign is not routinely used. Thus, the sign used to detect hypocalcemia after thyroid surgery is Chvostek sign.

Hypocalcemia after thyroid surgery occurs because the parathyroid glands may be damaged or devascularized, leading to low calcium and increased neuromuscular irritability. The Chvostek sign is a quick bedside test where tapping the facial nerve just anterior to the ear elicits twitching of the ipsilateral facial muscles if calcium is low. This sign is particularly useful in the postoperative setting because it provides an immediate indication of hypocalcemia. Trousseau sign, which involves a carpopedal spasm after inflating a blood pressure cuff, can also indicate hypocalcemia but takes longer to perform and requires a cuff in place; Allen sign is not a standard test for hypocalcemia, and Hogan sign is not routinely used. Thus, the sign used to detect hypocalcemia after thyroid surgery is Chvostek sign.