Journal of Clinical Case Reports

Cisplatin Induced Hypomagnesemic Hypocalcemia-A Case Report and a Review of the Pathophysiology

Abstract

Njoh RF, Nguyen A and Sadigh M

We present a case of a 62 year old man with history of small cell lung cancer status post radiation and chemotherapy with cisplatin and etoposide who presented to the emergency room with complaints of generalized repetitive muscle contractions. His physical examination was notable for involuntary rhythmic muscle contractions of face, neck, upper arms, thigh and hyperreflexia. Laboratory data was significant for calcium 4.6 mg/dl (corrected 5.64 mg/dl), albumin 2.7 g/dl, and magnesium 0.7 mg/dl. He was treated aggressively with intravenous magnesium and calcium with resolution of symptoms. Hypomagnesemia with subsequent hypocalcemia is a common side effect of cisplatin therapy, an understanding of its pathophysiology is imperative for clinician.