Calcium Regulation and Disorders Quiz

A condition where the level of calcium in the blood is higher than normal. It can be mild, moderate or severe, with severe hypercalcemia being a medical emergency.

A condition where the level of calcium in the blood is lower than normal.

The process by which the body maintains the correct balance of calcium levels in the blood. This involves the interplay of three main processes: bone turnover (building and breaking down bone), intestinal absorption (taking calcium from food) and renal excretion (removing calcium from the body through urine).

A hormone produced by the parathyroid glands located near the thyroid gland. It plays a major role in regulating calcium levels in the blood. When calcium levels are low, PTH is released to increase calcium levels. When calcium levels are high, PTH release is suppressed.

A form of vitamin D that is crucial for calcium homeostasis. Along with PTH, vitamin D helps regulate calcium levels by increasing calcium absorption from the gut.

The process of building new bone and breaking down old bone. This constant turnover is essential for maintaining bone health and regulating calcium levels.

The process by which calcium from food is absorbed into the bloodstream through the intestines.

The process by which calcium is removed from the body through urine by the kidneys.

Characterized by involuntary muscle spasms, especially in the hands and feet.

A physical examination finding where tapping on the facial nerve causes twitching of the facial muscles.

A physical examination finding where inflating a blood pressure cuff above systolic pressure for 3 minutes causes involuntary contraction of the hand and wrist.

A medical term referring to the formation of kidney stones.

A decrease in the density of bone tissue, making it more prone to fractures.

A prolongation of the QT interval on an electrocardiogram (ECG), which can lead to dangerous heart rhythm abnormalities.

The condition where calcium deposits form in the kidney tissue, potentially leading to kidney damage. Often associated with hypercalcemia.

A syndrome characterized by high levels of calcium in the blood due to underactive parathyroid glands, commonly seen in patients who have undergone thyroid surgery.

Involves regular medication review and addressing the root cause of hypercalcemia.

The severity of hypercalcemia and how quickly calcium levels rise determine the symptoms and need for urgent treatment.

People with mild or no symptoms from high calcium levels don't need immediate treatment. However, avoiding factors that can worsen it is crucial.

Individuals with chronic moderate hypercalcemia and no significant symptoms may not need immediate therapy but must avoid aggravating factors. However, a sudden increase in calcium levels could require immediate intervention.

People with serious symptoms or high calcium levels require aggressive medical attention.

Hypocalcemia with high PTH levels, caused by a reduced ability to absorb calcium from the gut due to insufficient vitamin D. This can be due to low dietary intake, limited sun exposure, or impaired activation in the liver and kidneys.

Hypocalcemia with high PTH levels, caused by the kidneys' inability to produce enough activated vitamin D. This typically occurs in the late stages of kidney disease.

Hypocalcemia with high PTH levels, caused by excessive phosphate in the blood. This can be caused by kidney disease or rapid breakdown of tissues, like in rhabdomyolysis or tumor lysis syndrome.

Hypocalcemia with high PTH levels, caused by the deposition of calcium into new bone formation around a tumor.

Hypocalcemia with high PTH levels, caused by calcium soaps precipitating in the abdominal cavity.

Hypocalcemia with high PTH levels, caused by a combination of factors including impaired PTH secretion, reduced calcitriol production, and decreased sensitivity to PTH in the body.

Hypocalcemia with high PTH levels, caused by a deficiency of magnesium, which can lead to resistance to PTH.

Hypocalcemia with low PTH levels caused by the parathyroid glands malfunctioning. This can be caused by surgery, autoimmune disorders, or genetic conditions.

Severe hypocalcemia, with symptoms like muscle spasms, seizures, and heart problems.

Initial treatment for severe acute hypocalcemia, quickly boosting calcium levels.

Mild hypocalcemia with symptoms like tingling or numbness.

Treatment for mild hypocalcemia, usually with oral calcium supplements.

A condition where there is a deficiency of magnesium in the blood.

Hypomagnesemia should be corrected before treating hypocalcemia, as it can interfere with calcium regulation.

The process of absorbing calcium from food into the bloodstream via the intestines.

The process of removing excess calcium from the body through urine by the kidneys.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) plays a crucial role in maintaining calcium homeostasis. When calcium levels drop, PTH is released, triggering a cascade of actions to restore normal levels.

Hypocalcemia, or low calcium levels, can trigger tetany - a condition marked by involuntary muscle spasms. This is due to increased neuromuscular excitability caused by the low calcium levels.

Trosseau's sign is a clinical manifestation of hypocalcemia where inflating a blood pressure cuff above systolic pressure for 3 minutes causes involuntary contraction of the hand and wrist (carpal spasm).

Chvostek's sign is another clinical sign of hypocalcemia where tapping on the facial nerve anterior to the ear causes ipsilateral contraction of facial muscles, which can be a twitching lip or a spasm of all facial muscles.

Hypercalcemia, or high calcium levels, can lead to a shortened QT interval on an electrocardiogram (ECG). This can progress to complete AV nodal block and cardiac arrest.

Hypocalcemia can lead to QT prolongation on an ECG, which can progress to Torsades de pointes and cardiac arrest.

Hypercalcemia often presents with symptoms summarized by the mnemonic "bones, stones, abdominal moans, and psychiatric groans."

Hypocalcemia can lead to a variety of symptoms, depending on the severity and duration, including tetany, seizures, psychological symptoms, and cardiac manifestations.

Hypercalcemia is a condition where the level of calcium in the blood is higher than normal. It can be caused by several factors like overactive parathyroid glands (primary hyperparathyroidism), cancer (malignancy), or excessive vitamin D intake. Severe hypercalcemia is a medical emergency.

Hypocalcemia is the opposite of hypercalcemia, meaning the level of calcium in the blood is lower than normal. This can happen due to underactive parathyroid glands (hypoparathyroidism), vitamin D deficiency, or kidney problems.

Tetany is a condition characterized by muscle spasms, often in the hands and feet. It's a common symptom of hypocalcemia and is caused by increased nerve excitability due to low calcium levels.

Trousseau's sign and Chvostek's sign are physical exam findings that can indicate hypocalcemia. Trousseau's is when inflating a blood pressure cuff causes hand spasms, while Chvostek's is when tapping the face causes facial muscle twitching.

Nephrolithiasis, also known as kidney stones, can occur due to chronic hypercalcemia. This happens because high calcium levels in the bloodstream can lead to calcium crystal formation in the kidneys, eventually forming stones.

Hypercalcemia can affect the cardiovascular system by shortening the heart's electrical activity (seen as a shortened QT interval on an ECG). Severe hypercalcemia can cause irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). In the long term, hypercalcemia can lead to heart valve problems, coronary artery disease, and heart muscle damage.

Hypocalcemia can cause prolonged QT intervals on an ECG, which can lead to dangerous heart rhythm abnormalities. This is because calcium plays a crucial role in heart muscle contraction, and low levels can disrupt this process.

While primary hyperparathyroidism is a major cause of hypercalcemia, other conditions like cancer, excessive vitamin D, kidney disease, and dehydration can also lead to high calcium levels in the blood.

Hypercalcemia of malignancy is usually more severe with higher calcium levels and more symptoms compared to primary hyperparathyroidism.