Night Sweats as the Presenting Symptom of Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Abstract Background: Approximately 25–40% of patients report night sweats in the previous month during appointments with their primary care clinicians. The differential diagnosis for night sweats is broad, with hyperthyroidism, carcinoid syndrome, pheochromocytoma, medullary thyroid carcinoma, insulinoma, and acromegaly as established endocrine causes. We present a case of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) in which the patient’s chief complaint was night sweats and resolution occurred after parathyroidectomy. Case. A 39-year-old female reported one-year of daily night sweats that required changes of clothes and bedding. She denied excessive daytime sweating, frequent palpitations, tremors, nightmares, rashes, fevers, chills, cough, headaches, dizziness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, disrupted menses, or unintentional weight loss. Vital signs and examination were unremarkable. Hypercalcemia (11.0 mg/dL, 8.6–10.3) was noted and confirmed by additional serum calcium measurements. Intact PTH ranged from 27–33 pg/mL (12–88), and 24 h urine calcium (258 mg) excluded familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH). Parathyroid scintigraphy and neck ultrasound identified a left neck mass, and the patient underwent successful resection of a left inferior parathyroid adenoma. Hypercalcemia and night sweats initially resolved after surgery, but the patient returned six weeks later with recurrence of night sweats. Reevaluation was notable for serum calcium 10.4 mg/dL, phosphorus 2.4 mg/dL (2.5–5.0), and intact PTH 104 pg/mL. A right superior parathyroid adenoma was identified on repeat parathyroidectomy, and the patient experienced durable resolution of night sweats and hypercalcemia following her second parathyroid surgery. She was screened for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) due to multiple parathyroid tumors, though no known pathogenic menin gene variants were identified. Conclusions: A title/abstract search in PubMed linking “hyperparathyroidism” and “hypercalcemia” to “night sweats,” “sleep hyperhidrosis,” “sweating,” “hot flashes,” “hot flushes,” “diaphoresis” and “vasomotor symptoms” yielded only one relevant case of a postmenopausal woman with hot flushes unresponsive to hormone replacement that resolved after parathyroidectomy for PHPT. Hypercalcemia is known to affect central nervous system function. It is possible that in rare cases hypercalcemia alters function of the medial preoptic area, lowering the temperature threshold above which peripheral vasodilatation and perspiration occur to dissipate heat. The patient’s predisposition to only night sweats is unclear, though unlike the first patient reported with PHPT and sweating, our patient is premenopausal. This case indicates that vasomotor symptoms may occur with PHPT and resolve after successful parathyroid surgery.

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Primary Hyperparathyroidism due to Parathyroid Adenoma Originated from Supernumerary Gland

Case Reports in Otolaryngology ◽

10.1155/2018/6482546 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-4

Author(s):

Fernando Mendoza-Moreno ◽

Ángel Rodriguez-Pascual ◽

María Rocío Díez-Gago ◽

Marina Pérez-González ◽

Laura Jiménez‐Alvárez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Hyperparathyroidism ◽

Parathyroid Adenoma ◽

Parathyroid Gland ◽

Imaging Techniques ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

Parathyroid Glands ◽

Parathyroid Surgery ◽

Thyroid Lobe ◽

The Impact ◽

Supernumerary Gland

Introduction. The variability of the location of the parathyroid glands is directly related to the events that occur during embryonic development. The impact that an individual submits more than four parathyroid glands is close to 13%. However the presentation of a parathyroid adenoma in a supernumerary gland is an uncommon event. Case report. A 30-year-old man diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism with matching findings on ultrasonography and scintigraphy for parathyroid adenoma localization lower left regarding the thyroid gland. A cervicotomy explorer showed four orthotopic parathyroid glands. The biopsy of the inferior left gland was normal. No signs of adenoma were seen in the biopsy. Following mobilization of the ipsilateral thyroid lobe, fifth parathyroid gland was found increased significantly in size than proceeded to remove, confirming the diagnosis of adenoma. After the excision, the levels of serum calcium and parathyroid hormone were normalized. Conclusions. The presentation of a parathyroid adenoma in a supernumerary gland is a challenge for the surgeon. The high sensitivity having different imaging techniques has been a key to locate preoperatively the pathological parathyroid gland. Analytical or clinical persistence of primary hyperparathyroidism after parathyroid surgery can occur if the location of the adenoma is a supernumerary or ectopic gland location.

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Vitamin D Repletion in Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism and Coexistent Vitamin D Insufficiency

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism ◽

10.1210/jc.2004-1772 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 90 (4) ◽

pp. 2122-2126 ◽

Cited By ~ 153

Author(s):

Andrew Grey ◽

Jenny Lucas ◽

Anne Horne ◽

Greg Gamble ◽

James S. Davidson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Primary Hyperparathyroidism ◽

Serum Calcium ◽

Serum Alkaline Phosphatase ◽

Vitamin D Insufficiency ◽

Urinary Calcium ◽

Urinary Calcium Excretion ◽

Total Serum ◽

Calcium Excretion ◽

Intact Pth

Abstract Vitamin D insufficiency is common in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and may be associated with more severe and progressive disease. Uncertainty exists, however, as to whether repletion of vitamin D should be undertaken in patients with PHPT. Here we report the effects of vitamin D repletion on biochemical outcomes over 1 yr in a group of 21 patients with mild PHPT [serum calcium <12 mg/dl (3 mmol/liter)] and coexistent vitamin D insufficiency [serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] <20 μg/liter (50 nmol/liter)]. In response to vitamin D repletion to a serum 25(OH)D level greater than 20 μg/liter (50 nmol/liter), mean levels of serum calcium and phosphate did not change, and serum calcium did not exceed 12 mg/dl (3 mmol/liter) in any patient. Levels of intact PTH fell by 24% at 6 months (P < 0.01) and 26% at 12 months (P < 0.01). There was an inverse relationship between the change in serum 25(OH)D and that in intact PTH (r = −0.43, P = 0.056). At 12 months, total serum alkaline phosphatase was significantly lower, and urine N-telopeptides tended to be lower than baseline values (P = 0.02 and 0.13, respectively). In two patients, 24-h urinary calcium excretion rose to exceed 400 mg/d, but the group mean 24-h urinary calcium excretion did not change. These preliminary data suggest that vitamin D repletion in patients with PHPT does not exacerbate hypercalcemia and may decrease levels of PTH and bone turnover. Some patients with PHPT may experience an increase in urinary calcium excretion after vitamin D repletion.

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Normocalcaemic hyperparathyroidism and primary hyperparathyroidism: least significant change for adjusted serum calcium

Acta Endocrinologica ◽

10.1530/eje-20-0634 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 184 (1) ◽

pp. K7-K10

Author(s):

Marian Schini ◽

Richard Jacques ◽

Eleanor Oakes ◽

Nicola Peel ◽

Jennifer S Walsh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Mineral Density ◽

Clinical Practice ◽

Primary Hyperparathyroidism ◽

Bone Mineral ◽

Serum Calcium ◽

Calcium Metabolism ◽

Parathyroid Surgery ◽

Mineral Density ◽

Least Significant Change ◽

Significant Change

Introduction The least significant change (LSC) is a term used in individuals in order to evaluate whether one measurement has changed significantly from the previous one. It is widely used when assessing bone mineral density (BMD) scans. To the best of our knowledge, there no such estimate available in the literature for patients with disorders of calcium metabolism. Our aim was to provide an estimate of the least significant change for albumin-adjusted calcium in patients with normocalcaemic hyperparathyroidism (NPHPT) and primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Methods We used the within-subject standard deviatio calculated in a population of NPHPT and PHPT patients and multiplied it by 2.77. Results The LSC for NPHPT and PHPT were found to be 0.25 and 0.24 mmol/L, respectively (1.00 and 0.96 mg/dL). In clinical practice, the value of 0.25 mmol/L could be used. Discussion The least significant change given, could be used in two ways in these patients. First, it gives a range to which values are expected. This can provide some reassurance for the patient and the physician in cases of intermittent hypercalcaemia. Moreover, it can be a marker of whether an individual has an actual significant change of his calcium after parathyroid surgery.

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MON-LB66 Altered Mental Status and Hypercalcemia: A Rare Presentation of Pure Osteolytic Metastatic Prostate Cancer

Journal of the Endocrine Society ◽

10.1210/jendso/bvaa046.2251 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Ajinkya Kulkarni ◽

Mrunal Kulkarni ◽

Rithikaa Ellangovan ◽

Rajesh Thirumaran

Keyword(s):

Prostate Cancer ◽

Primary Hyperparathyroidism ◽

Parathyroid Adenoma ◽

Mental Status ◽

Serum Calcium ◽

Bone Scan ◽

Rare Case ◽

Osteolytic Metastasis ◽

Prostate Cancers ◽

Osteoblastic Lesions

Abstract Background: We present a rare case of hypercalcemia with the concomitant presence of parathyroid adenoma, secondary hyperparathyroidism due to kidney disease and hypercalcemia of malignancy. Mild hypercalcemia due to primary hyperparathyroidism often precedes the acute, more severe hypercalcemia of malignancy. Prostate cancers are usually known to cause osteoblastic lesions. We present a rare case of prostate cancer with pure osteolytic metastasis. Case: 73 year old male with past history of ESRD on hemodialysis was brought to the ER with change in mental status. Labs showed elevated serum calcium 13.3 mg/dl (8.6-10.2 mg/dl) and creatinine 7.0 mg/dl (0.60-1.30mg/dl). Patient underwent emergent hemodialysis. Additional lab work revealed, elevated phosphorus level of 5.8mg/dl (2.5-5 mg/dl), low vitamin D 25-hydroxy of 22 ng/ml (30-100 ng/ml) and vitamin 1-25 dihydroxy level of 7 ng/ml (20-79 ng/ml). Both PTH 172.6 pg/ml (12-88 pg/ml) and PTHrP 64 pg/ml (14-27 pg/dl) levels were elevated. Parathyroid scan showed increased uptake in left inferior parathyroid gland indicating the presence of a parathyroid adenoma. Serum calcium levels remained persistently elevated despite being continued on dialysis with a low calcium bath and receiving calcium lowering therapy with calcium binding agent- cinacalcet, calcitonin, bisphosphonate. Further work up for refractory hypercalcemia revealed an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level of 1420 ng/ml (0-3.999 ng/ml). Bone scan showed no evidence of osseous metastasis. CT abdomen & pelvis showed extensive lytic bony metastases, with metastasis to lung and lymph nodes in mesenteric root and in the pelvis. Prostate gland showed asymmetric contour along the left posterolateral zone suspicious for malignancy with extracapsular spread.Biopsy from the left iliac lytic bone lesion was done that showed poorly differentiated metastatic adenocarcinoma, consistent with a prostatic primary. The patient was started on treatment with anti-androgen medication- Bicalutamide and prednisone and was planned to be started on Leuprolide as outpatient. Discussion: Hypercalcemia is uncommon in advanced prostate cancer compared to other malignancies where osteolytic metastasis is more common than osteoblastic metastasis. Incidence of malignancy in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and vice-versa is high, hence serum PTH and PTHrP should be measured in hypercalcemic patients with malignancy. If PTHrP and PTH are both elevated, it indicates co-existent primary hyperparathyroidism. Prostate cancers are usually known to cause osteoblastic lesions and pure osteolytic metastasis from prostate carcinoma is extremely rare. Radio-nucleotide bone scan preferentially detects osteoblastic metastasis. CT or MRI is indicated to look for osteolytic lesions if suspicion for bone metastasis is high.

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SAT-369 Parathyroid Microadenomas as a Cause of Normocalcemic Primary Hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and a Surgical Challenge

Journal of the Endocrine Society ◽

10.1210/jendso/bvaa046.1503 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Tiffany Nguyen ◽

Marc D Coltrera ◽

Jing H Chao

Keyword(s):

Primary Hyperparathyroidism ◽

Parathyroid Adenoma ◽

Serum Calcium ◽

Compression Fracture ◽

Extended Period ◽

Significant Loss ◽

Mineral Density ◽

Dxa Scan ◽

Normal Bone Mineral Density ◽

Pth Level

Abstract Background: Patients with normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) share similar risks of osteoporosis and nephrolithiasis with patients having hypercalcemic PHPT. The prevalence and natural history of normocalcemic PHPT is not well defined. Parathyroid microadenomas weighing < 100 mg may present as special clinical challenges in both the diagnosis and surgical resection. Clinical Case: A 55-year-old woman presented for an evaluation of osteoporosis following a non-traumatic L1 compression fracture at the age of 50 years. Noting an initial serum calcium of 10 mg/dL, we diagnosed her with normocalcemic PHPT based on a concurrent parathyroid hormone (PTH) level of 112 pg/mL (12-88 pg/mL) and a lack of other causes for an elevated PTH, including a normal eGFR, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 24-hour urine calcium, and autoantibodies for celiac disease. Initial dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan from 2015 showed normal bone mineral density (BMD) and T-scores in the L-spine, total hip, and femoral neck. Neck imagings, including ultrasound, sestamibi scan, and 4D CT, failed to localize a parathyroid adenoma. In the absence of a target and indications for parathyroidectomy other than osteoporosis, she was treated with bisphosphonates. While her serum calcium remained normal (9.6-10.2 mg/dL) despite an elevated PTH level (92-116 pg/mL) over a two-year period, subsequent DXA scans showed a significant loss in BMD on the bisphosphonates, prompting a peripheral DXA scan, which revealed severe osteoporosis at the distal third of the forearm (BMD 0.450 g/cm2, T-score -3.7), consistent with PTH-associated bone resorption. Following a 4-gland exploration with removal of 2 parathyroid microadenomas (63 and 100 mg), intra- and post-operative PTH levels normalized. She now awaits a repeat DXA scan at 1 year after a successful parathyroidectomy. Conclusion: Although many patients with normocalcemic PHPT may progress to develop hypercalcemia, some remain normocalcemic over an extended period. We report a patient who maintained normocalcemia for over 2 years. To correctly establish the diagnosis of normocalcemic PHPT, a comprehensive evaluation must be performed to exclude secondary causes of an elevated PTH (renal insufficiency, hypovitaminosis D, hypercalciuria, and malabsorption). Since significant osteoporosis may be preferentially seen in the cortical bone, BMD at the distal 1/3 of forearm should be evaluated in addition to the L-spine, hips and femoral necks. When a parathyroid adenoma cannot be localized in patients with normocalcemic PHPT, a careful 4-gland exploration for parathyroid microadenoma(s), paying special attention to the size, texture, and shape of the glands, and guided by intraoperative PTH levels, ensures the successful removal of the culprit gland(s).

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Primary hyperparathyroidism due to atypical vertically long cystic adenoma

Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism Case Reports ◽

10.1530/edm-14-0086 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sachiko-Tsukamoto Kawashima ◽

Takeshi Usui ◽

Yohei Ueda ◽

Maiko-Kakita Kobayashi ◽

Mika Tsuiki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Hyperparathyroidism ◽

Serum Calcium ◽

Laboratory Data ◽

Needle Aspiration ◽

Cystic Mass ◽

Diagnostic Tools ◽

List Type ◽

Intact Pth ◽

Submandibular Region ◽

99Mtc Mibi

Summary Parathyroid cystic adenomas are often misdiagnosed as thyroid cysts and routine preoperative diagnostic tools, such as ultrasonography (US) or 99m technetium-sestamibi (99mTc-MIBI) scans, cannot clearly distinguish between these entities. We present a 67-year-old hypercalcemic woman with a cervical cystic lesion who had negative sestamibi scan results. Her laboratory data indicated primary hyperparathyroidism (serum calcium concentration 14.0 mg/dl, phosphate concentration 2.3 mg/dl, and intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentration 239 pg/ml). The cervical US and computed tomography scans revealed a large and vertically long cystic mass (12×11×54 mm). A mass was located from the upper end of the left thyroid lobe to the submandibular region and was not clearly distinguishable from the thyroid. For preoperative definitive diagnosis, we carried out a parathyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and PTH assay (PTH–FNA) of liquid aspirated from the cyst. The intact PTH–FNA concentration was 1.28×106 pg/ml, and the patient was diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism due to a cystic mass. She underwent a left upper parathyroidectomy and her serum calcium and intact PTH concentration immediately decreased to normal levels. This report describes the usefulness of PTH–FNA for localizing and differentiating an atypical functional parathyroid lesion from nonfunctional tissue in primary hyperparathyroidism. Learning points Cystic parathyroid lesions, even in the case of elevated PTH levels, can produce negative results in 99mTc-MIBI scans. Preoperative diagnosis of parathyroid cysts detectable on US is possible by parathyroid FNA and PTH assay (PTH–FNA) of liquid aspirated from the cyst, if malignancy is not suspected. PTH–FNA could be helpful in the differential diagnosis of an equivocal cervical tumor.

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Psychosis Resulting in Suicide in a Patient with Primary Hyperparathyroidism

The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/070674378603100412 ◽

1986 ◽

Vol 31 (4) ◽

pp. 342-343 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Sueda Öztunç ◽

Richard G. Guscott ◽

Jorge Soni ◽

Meir Steiner

Keyword(s):

Primary Hyperparathyroidism ◽

Parathyroid Adenoma ◽

Serum Calcium ◽

Clinical Condition ◽

Elevated Serum ◽

Surgical Removal ◽

Organic Psychosis ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Normal Ranges ◽

Biochemical Abnormalities

A case is reported of a patient presenting to the psychiatric unit of our hospital with symptoms of depression and found to have an organic psychosis. On routine SMA-12 investigation (12 channel auto analyzer), elevated serum calcium was detected on admission leading to the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). The surgical removal of a parathyroid adenoma was followed by a rapid return of biochemical abnormalities to normal ranges. In spite of appropriate psychiatric management and fluctuations in the patient's clinical condition, the organic psychosis was unaltered and culminated in suicide 4 months after admission.

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A Challenging Diagnosis of Primary Hyperparathyroidism in an Adolescent Female

Journal of the Endocrine Society ◽

10.1210/jendso/bvab048.354 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. A175-A175

Author(s):

Patricia Vining-Maravolo ◽

Ethel Clemente ◽

Berrin Ergun-Longmire

Keyword(s):

Abdominal Pain ◽

Primary Hyperparathyroidism ◽

Parathyroid Adenoma ◽

Serum Calcium ◽

Parathyroid Tissue ◽

Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽

Vital Signs ◽

Normal Thyroid Function ◽

Sestamibi Scan ◽

History Of

Abstract Background: Hypercalcemia secondary to primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is less common in children than adults. Single parathyroid adenoma is commonly the cause of primary hyperparathyroidism in children. Clinical Case: We present a 15-year-old female with one-week history of abdominal pain despite taking over the counter antacids. Her initial work up by her primary care provider revealed serum calcium of 11.8 mg/dL (9.0–11.5) and creatinine of 0.8 mg/dL (0.4–1.2). A week later, she presented to the emergency department with same complaint. In ED, she was found to have hypercalcemia (12.8 mg/dl) with elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) at 78.5 pg/mL (15–65). Her random urine calcium creatinine ratio was high at 2.1. Her 25OHD was 25 ng/mL (30–100). She had negative urine pregnancy test but had trace ketones, leukocyte esterase, blood and bacteria. CBC and CMP were otherwise unremarkable. She continued to complain abdominal pain with nausea, decrease appetite, fatigue, and general muscle weakness. There was no known family history of calcium or metabolic bone disorders. Her vital signs and physical exam were normal. Subsequent labs showed mild improvement of calcium between (11–12.3 mg/dL), PTH between 54.5 and 77 pg/mL, normal thyroid function. Ionized calcium was mildly elevated 6.0 mg/dL (4.5–5.3) but her repeat 25OHD was low at18 ng/mL. Serum phosphorus levels were relatively normal with lowest level of 2.5 mg/dL (2.7–4.5). Gliadin Deamidated IgA was detectable 15 U/mL (< 15.0 U/). Ultrasound of abdomen was significant for nonspecific mild hepatomegaly; kidneys were normal in size and appearance. Ultrasound of thyroid was significant for probably intrathyroid parathyroid, measuring 6 x 8 x 8 mm. Tc-Sestamibi scan did not confirm a parathyroid adenoma. Genetic testing for MEN-1 was negative. FHH- related genes (i.e. CASR) was positive for p.R990G variant resulting in a mild gain of function of the calcium-sensing receptor. Although previous Tc-Sestamibi scan was unremarkable, an over read of it raised a concern for questionable uptake in the left superior lobe. SPEC-CT demonstrated possible abnormal parathyroid tissue in the upper pole of the left thyroid. FNA of the left thyroid nodule confirmed likely intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma. Subsequent follow up and treatment, including parathyroidectomy, was done by another institution. She underwent a left parathyroidectomy with normalization of serum calcium and PTH levels post operatively (10.1 mg/dl and 8 pg/mL, respectively) and has complete resolution of her previous abdominal and gastrointestinal symptoms. Conclusion: PHPT is uncommon in children and adolescents and is typically associated with a single parathyroid adenoma. High index of suspicion is key for early diagnosis of PHPT despite a negative Tc-Sestamibi initially.

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Atypical parathyroid adenoma: clinical and anatomical pathologic features

World Journal of Surgical Oncology ◽

10.1186/s12957-021-02123-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Alessandro Galani ◽

Riccardo Morandi ◽

Mira Dimko ◽

Sarah Molfino ◽

Carla Baronchelli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Parathyroid Hormone ◽

Primary Hyperparathyroidism ◽

Parathyroid Adenoma ◽

Serum Calcium ◽

Parathyroid Carcinoma ◽

Ki 67 ◽

Pathologic Features ◽

Atypical Parathyroid Adenoma ◽

High Concentrations ◽

Group B

Abstract Background Primary hyperparathyroidism is an endocrine pathology that affects calcium metabolism. Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism have high concentrations of serum calcium or high concentrations of parathyroid hormone, or incorrect parathyroid hormone levels for serum calcium values. Primary hyperparathyroidism is due to the presence of an adenoma/single-gland disease in 80–85%. Multiple gland disease or hyperplasia accounts for 10–15% of cases of primary hyperparathyroidism. Atypical parathyroid adenoma and parathyroid carcinoma are both responsible for about 1.2–1.3% and 1% or less of primary hyperparathyroidism, respectively. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study and enrolled 117 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism undergoing minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. Histological and immunohistochemical examination showed that 107 patients (91.5%) were diagnosed with typical adenoma (group A), while 10 patients (8.5%) were diagnosed with atypical parathyroid adenoma (group B). None of the patients were affected by parathyroid carcinoma. Results Significant statistical differences were found in histological and immunohistochemical parameters as pseudocapsular invasion (p < 0.001), bands of fibrosis (p < 0.001), pronounced trabecular growth (p < 0.001), mitotic rates of > 1/10 high-power fields (HPFs) (p < 0.001), nuclear pleomorphism (p = 0.036), thick capsule (p < 0.001), Ki-67+ > 4% (p < 0.001), galectin-3 + (p = 0.002), and protein gene product (PGP) 9.5 + (p = 0.038). Conclusions Atypical parathyroid adenoma is a tumor that has characteristics both of typical adenoma and parathyroid carcinoma. The diagnosis is reached by excluding with strict methods the presence of malignancy criteria. Atypical parathyroid adenoma compared to typical adenoma showed significant clinical, hematochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical differences. We did not find any disease relapse in the 10 patients with atypical parathyroid adenoma during 60 months of follow-up time.

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Primary Hyperparathyroidism in the Common Orthopaedic Practice

The Open Orthopaedics Journal ◽

10.2174/1874325002115010057 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

pp. 57-70

Author(s):

Nikolaos K. Sferopoulos

Keyword(s):

Parathyroid Hormone ◽

Primary Hyperparathyroidism ◽

Parathyroid Adenoma ◽

Serum Calcium ◽

Serum Alkaline Phosphatase ◽

Total Serum ◽

Laboratory Assessment ◽

Aged Woman ◽

Pelvic Radiograph ◽

Brown Tumors

An extensive review of the publications on primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is presented in this report. It has strongly been emphasized in the literature that patients with pHPT may present either with the classical symptomatology or with asymptomatic disease, emerged due to biochemical screening. The clinical and epidemiological presentation of pHPT in western countries has changed profoundly during the past few decades, and bone disease is nowadays a distinct rarity. The introduction of serum calcium screening for osteoporosis and the technological advances in the laboratory assessment of parathyroid hormone have played important roles in early diagnosis. Subsequently, the disease is increasingly being detected as asymptomatic hypercalcaemia without guiding signs or symptoms. A third type of disease, the normocalcaemic variant, has been recently described in the literature. However, the potential diagnosis of pHPT should always be on the orthopaedics’ list of differential diagnoses in female or elderly patients with vertebral fractures and nephrolithiasis, either symptomatic or asymptomatic, as well as when solitary or multiple osteolytic lesions are encountered on the radiographs. Additionally, a middle aged woman with parathyroid adenoma and subsequent brown tumors detected on the pelvic radiographs is reported. Her initial laboratory findings indicated a minimal increase of the serum calcium, a mild increase of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and a significant increase in total serum alkaline phosphatase. Finally, the detection of elevated parathyroid hormone levels indicated the diagnosis of pHPT and necessitated imaging studies of the parathyroid glands, which indicated a parathyroid adenoma. Following successful excision of the parathyroid adenoma, the patient suffered from the hungry bone syndrome. After a follow-up of 20 years, the patient had normal calcium, vitamin D, and parathyroid hormone serum levels, while a pelvic radiograph indicated no significant changes in the appearance of the brown tumors.

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