The most common cause of hypoparathyroidism.

The most common cause of hypoparathyroidism.

• A. Autoimmune destruction
• B. Surgical removal
• C. Radiation exposure
• D. Viral infection

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that most hypoparathyroidism cases come from iatrogenic injury during neck surgery. The parathyroid glands are tiny and sit close to the thyroid; during thyroidectomy or other central neck procedures, one or more glands can be accidentally removed or their blood supply damaged. When this happens, PTH production drops and calcium levels fall, producing hypoparathyroidism. autoimmune destruction can cause it in rare autoimmune syndromes, and radiation exposure can injure the glands, but these are far less common than postoperative hypoparathyroidism. Viral infection is not a typical cause.

The key idea is that most hypoparathyroidism cases come from iatrogenic injury during neck surgery. The parathyroid glands are tiny and sit close to the thyroid; during thyroidectomy or other central neck procedures, one or more glands can be accidentally removed or their blood supply damaged. When this happens, PTH production drops and calcium levels fall, producing hypoparathyroidism. autoimmune destruction can cause it in rare autoimmune syndromes, and radiation exposure can injure the glands, but these are far less common than postoperative hypoparathyroidism. Viral infection is not a typical cause.