Velocardiofacial syndrome presenting as hypocalcemia in early adolescence

Velocardiofacial syndrome is a childhood condition caused by a chromosomal abnormality. Patients may have abnormal development and function of the thymus and parathyroid glands, heart defects, cleft palate, facial abnormalities and other defects. The endocrine abnormalities may cause low blood calcium levels, which can induce seizures. Two case studies illustrate the wide range of symptoms seen in this syndrome.