Unrecognized hypocalcaemia diagnosed 36 years after thyroidectomy.

Hypoparathyroidism can present many years after thyroidectomy and symptoms may be non-specific. Hypocalcaemia may cause a variety of physical and mental symptoms and the diagnosis is easily overlooked with serious and potentially fatal consequences. Patients with vague symptoms should always be asked about previous thyroid surgery and serum calcium should be measured.