Hyperparathyroidism is a condition associated with elevated blood levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Depending on the pathogenesis of this condition, hyperparathyroidism can be defined as primary, secondary, or tertiary. Primary hyperparathyroidism is an inherent disease of parathyroid glands associated with abnormal secretion of PTH. Secondary hyperparathyroidism results from abnormalities of calcium metabolism, which, if left untreated, can progress to tertiary hyperparathyroidism, which is associated with hypertrophy of the parathyroid gland and oversecretion of PTH even if the primary cause is eliminated. Most individuals are asymptomatic, though late-stage, symptomatic disease may present with kidney stones, bone fractures, abdominal pain, and change in mental status. Diagnosis is based on biochemical parameters, which include serum PTH, calcium, and phosphate levels as well as urinary calcium. Management relies mostly on surgical parathyroidectomy for primary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism. Management of secondary hyperparathyroidism is focused on treatment of the underlying disease.
Last updated: Mar 4, 2024
Hyperparathyroidism Hyperparathyroidism Hyperparathyroidism is a condition associated with elevated blood levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Depending on the pathogenesis of this condition, hyperparathyroidism can be defined as primary, secondary or tertiary. Hyperparathyroidism is a condition associated with elevated blood levels of parathyroid Parathyroid The parathyroid glands are 2 pairs of small endocrine glands found in close proximity to the thyroid gland. The superior parathyroid glands are lodged within the parenchyma of the upper poles of the right and left thyroid lobes; the inferior parathyroid glands are close to the inferior tips or poles of the lobes. Parathyroid Glands: Anatomy hormone (PTH).
Primary hyperparathyroidism Primary hyperparathyroidism A condition of abnormally elevated output of parathyroid hormone due to parathyroid hyperplasia or parathyroid neoplasms. It is characterized by the combination of hypercalcemia, phosphaturia, elevated renal 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin d3 synthesis, and increased bone resorption. Hyperparathyroidism:[1,7,10,11]
Secondary hyperparathyroidism Secondary hyperparathyroidism Abnormally elevated parathyroid hormone secretion as a response to hypocalcemia. It is caused by chronic kidney failure or other abnormalities in the controls of bone and mineral metabolism, leading to various bone diseases, such as renal osteodystrophy. Hyperparathyroidism:[1,7,10,12,14,21]
Tertiary hyperparathyroidism Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism Hyperparathyroidism:[7,10,14,22]
Parathyroid hormone has only one function: to correct hypocalcemia and maintain the serum level of calcium within narrow limits.
If the serum calcium is low, the four parathyroid glands secrete PTH, which is made and stored in the glands. When released, PTH works with and through vitamin D to restore the calcium level to normal.
Asymptomatic, mild hypercalcemia Mild Hypercalcemia Hypercalcemia (approximately 10.5–12.5 mg/dL) is most often due to primary hyperparathyroidism Primary hyperparathyroidism A condition of abnormally elevated output of parathyroid hormone due to parathyroid hyperplasia or parathyroid neoplasms. It is characterized by the combination of hypercalcemia, phosphaturia, elevated renal 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin d3 synthesis, and increased bone resorption. Hyperparathyroidism. Symptoms typically appear in the later stages of primary hyperparathyroidism Primary hyperparathyroidism A condition of abnormally elevated output of parathyroid hormone due to parathyroid hyperplasia or parathyroid neoplasms. It is characterized by the combination of hypercalcemia, phosphaturia, elevated renal 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin d3 synthesis, and increased bone resorption. Hyperparathyroidism, usually when calcium Calcium A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes. Electrolytes levels are > 12 mg/dL.
Mnemonic for PH pH The quantitative measurement of the acidity or basicity of a solution. Acid-Base Balance: Stones, bones, groans, and moans[1,8,14,16]
Other manifestations:[1,8,16]
Hyperparathyroid crisis Hyperparathyroid Crisis Hyperparathyroidism (rare):[1]
Hand radiograph in a 64-year-old woman with mild secondary hyperparathyroidism and a long history of knitting, showing subperiosteal bone resorption at both terminal thumb phalanges.
Bone resorption due to hyperparathyroidism is usually seen at the phalangeal tufts and the radial aspects of the middle phalanges of the second and the third fingers. The unusual location in the thumbs in this patient may be due to a combination of repetitive trauma and hyperparathyroidism.
Incidental hypercalcemia Hypercalcemia Hypercalcemia (serum calcium > 10.5 mg/dL) can result from various conditions, the majority of which are due to hyperparathyroidism and malignancy. Other causes include disorders leading to vitamin D elevation, granulomatous diseases, and the use of certain pharmacological agents. Symptoms vary depending on calcium levels and the onset of hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia in patients Patients Individuals participating in the health care system for the purpose of receiving therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventive procedures. Clinician–Patient Relationship with early asymptomatic hyperparathyroidism Hyperparathyroidism Hyperparathyroidism is a condition associated with elevated blood levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Depending on the pathogenesis of this condition, hyperparathyroidism can be defined as primary, secondary or tertiary. Hyperparathyroidism needs to be repeated for accuracy and followed up. Blood tests for ionized calcium Ionized Calcium Hypocalcemia level and PTH are used to diagnose primary hyperparathyroidism Primary hyperparathyroidism A condition of abnormally elevated output of parathyroid hormone due to parathyroid hyperplasia or parathyroid neoplasms. It is characterized by the combination of hypercalcemia, phosphaturia, elevated renal 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin d3 synthesis, and increased bone resorption. Hyperparathyroidism before it becomes symptomatic. Consider consultation with a specialist for further guidance if results are ambiguous.
Laboratory tests:[1,8,12,15–17]
Imaging:[1,8,14–17]
X-rays of left lower limb in two orthogonal views showing osteitis fibrosa cystica presenting as a cystic/lytic bone space filled with brown fibrous tissue (arrows) known as a “brown tumor”:
Brown tumors are less commonly seen in hyperparathyroidism today because the disease is usually diagnosed at an earlier stage.
Management guidelines vary depending on practice location. The following information is based on US, European, and UK literature and guidelines for adult patients Patients Individuals participating in the health care system for the purpose of receiving therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventive procedures. Clinician–Patient Relationship.
Acute management of symptomatic or severe hypercalcemia Severe Hypercalcemia Hypercalcemia:[1]
Conservative/medical management:[1,8,14–16]
Monitoring:[1,8,14–17]
Surgery:
Parathyroid adenoma (arrow) with cystic change:
The tumor extends to the right tracheo-esophageal groove.
Sestamibi parathyroid scintigraphy revealed an increased focal uptake consistent with parathyroid adenoma at the left inferior pole of the thyroid gland
Image: “Serial pathologic fractures of five long bones on four separate occasions in a patient with primary hyperparathyroidism, challenges of management in a developing country: a case report” by Olatoke, S.A., et al. License: CC BY 2.0a: Giant parathyroid adenoma following resection and fixation in formalin
b: Cross sections of the multiloculated mass
c: Low-power microscopic view of adenomatous cells at the top right portion of photograph, adjacent to pink thick fibrous tissue; a small cluster of compressed normal thyroid glandular tissue is in the left lower corner.
Management:[14,21‒23]
Monitoring in CKD CKD Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is kidney impairment that lasts for ≥ 3 months, implying that it is irreversible. Hypertension and diabetes are the most common causes; however, there are a multitude of other etiologies. In the early to moderate stages, CKD is usually asymptomatic and is primarily diagnosed by laboratory abnormalities. Chronic Kidney Disease:[21,23]