Hypocalcemia: Sensitivity and Specificity

Introduction: None written.

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The sensitivity and specificity of findings for Hypocalcemia are listed below. See the left navigation bar to change the display.

Sensitive and Specific Findings

Trousseau's Sign

94%

99%

"Most simply described, Trousseau’s sign presents as carpopedal spasm occurring after a few minutes of inflation of a sphygmomanometer cuff above systolic blood

pressure. Occlusion of the brachial artery causes flexion of the wrist and metacarpophalangeal joints, hyperextension of the fingers, and flexion of the thumb on the palm, producing the characteristic posture called main d’accoucheur."

Study: http://www.jcomjournal.com/pdf/hp_mar00_hypocal.pdf

Poorly Diagnostic Findings

Chvostek's Sign

29%

75%

"The most well-known version of the sign, or the Chvostek I phenomenon, is described as twitching and/or contracture of the facial muscles produced by tapping on the facial nerve at a specific point on the face. This point is located 0.5 to 1 cm below the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, 2 cm anterior to the ear lobe, and on a line with the angle of the mandible."

Study: http://www.jcomjournal.com/pdf/hp_mar00_hypocal.pdf