An unusual presentation of scrub typhus as tetany: A case report.
Padma Chitra Balasubramanian, Kolluri Priyanka, Syed Ahmed Zaki et al.
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Case in brief
A patient with scrub typhus presented with symptomatic hypocalcaemia and hypophosphataemia, likely due to renal tubular electrolyte loss. This atypical presentation diverged from the usual symptoms of fever, rash, and eschar associated with the infection. The patient's condition improved following appropriate management of the electrolyte imbalances.
What made this case unusual
The case highlights symptomatic hypocalcaemia and hypophosphataemia as an unusual metabolic manifestation of scrub typhus, which is not commonly recognized.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider metabolic disturbances such as hypocalcaemia and hypophosphataemia in patients with scrub typhus, especially when presenting with atypical symptoms.
Why it matters
Recognizing these metabolic manifestations can lead to timely diagnosis and management, potentially improving patient outcomes in scrub typhus cases.