Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Review
In: Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000.
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Excerpt

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is characterized by hypercalcemia and elevated or inappropriately normal parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. PHPT results from excessive secretion of PTH from one or more of the parathyroid glands. The clinical presentation of PHPT has evolved since the 1970’s with the advent of the routine measurement of serum calcium at that time. Classical PHPT, with its associated severe hypercalcemia, osteitis fibrosa cystica, nephrolithiasis, and neuropsychological symptoms, once common is now infrequent. Today most patients are asymptomatic and have mild hypercalcemia, but may have evidence of subclinical skeletal and renal sequelae such as osteoporosis and hypercalciuria as well as vertebral fractures and nephrolithiasis both of which may be asymptomatic. Parathyroidectomy is the only curative treatment for PHPT and is recommended in patients with symptoms and those with asymptomatic disease who have evidence of end-organ sequelae. Parathyroidectomy results in an increase in BMD and a reduction in nephrolithiasis. For complete coverage of all related areas of Endocrinology, please visit our on-line FREE web-text, WWW.ENDOTEXT.ORG.

Publication types

  • Review