Hypocalcemic cataract secondary to idiopathic hypoparathyroidism in an adolescent

Abstract

Idiopathic hypoparathyroidism is a rare endocrine disorder characterized by hypocalcemia secondary to inadequate parathyroid hormone secretion. Hypocalcemia-related cataract is most often observed in patients with postoperative hypoparathyroidism, whereas primary hypoparathyroidism-related cataract is rare and displays slow progression. Cataract usually occurs in people aged 18 to 50 years. Here, we describe a 17-year-old boy with bilateral cataract and a history of hypocalcemic tetany who was diagnosed with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism. Phacoemulsification with implantation of a monofocal aspherical intraocular lens was performed in the right eye; 6 months later, it was performed in the left eye. Elevated phosphorus and diminished calcium were observed in blood and aqueous humor. A deep anterior chamber, relatively thin central corneal thickness, large white-to-white distance, and thin lens were also observed. During follow-up, neither eye displayed intraocular lens decentration; best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes. These findings suggest that ophthalmologists should be vigilant when hypocalcemic tetany and cataract are present, especially in adolescents and young adults.