Normal PTH Levels in Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Still the Same Disease?
Summary of "Normal PTH Levels in Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Still the Same Disease?"
PURPOSE:
Previous studies have suggested that primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) with only normal parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels is a milder, less symptomatic form of pHPT. This study investigates symptoms, laboratory values, imaging, and outcomes of sporadic pHPT patients with normal PTH values.
METHODS:
We reviewed our prospectively collected database of 861 patients with sporadic pHPT who underwent parathyroidectomy between December 1999 and June 2010. Patients with only normal PTH values for 6 months before surgery were compared to a randomized control group of sporadic pHPT patients with elevated PTH, matched 1:2 for age and gender.
RESULTS:
Fifty-eight (7%) patients had only normal PTH values within 6 months of surgery. The mean PTH was 55.1 pg/ml in the normal PTH group and 151.3 pg/ml in the control group (n = 116). There was no difference in preoperative calcium values, subjective symptoms, bone health, or the frequency of single-gland disease (SGD; 88% vs. 91%) between the two groups, but the normal PTH group had higher preoperative vitamin D values (30.8 vs. 21.4 ng/ml; P < 0.001), smaller adenomas (405 vs. 978 mg, P < 0.001), and more frequently underwent bilateral neck exploration (57% vs. 49%). There was a trend toward lower sensitivity of preoperative imaging in the normal PTH group.
CONCLUSIONS:
Patients with pHPT and either elevated or normal PTH levels present with similar symptoms and calcium levels. The majority of patients with normal PTH have SGD, although adenomas are smaller. This may explain why patients with normal PTH values have less sensitive imaging and more frequently require four-gland exploration.
Affiliation
Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
Journal Details
This article was published in the following journal.
Name: Annals of surgical oncology
ISSN: 1534-4681
Pages:
Links
- PubMed Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21537864
- DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1245/s10434-011-1744-x
Medical and Biotech [MESH] Definitions
Hyperparathyroidism
A condition of abnormally elevated output of PARATHYROID HORMONE (or PTH) triggering responses that increase blood CALCIUM. It is characterized by HYPERCALCEMIA and BONE RESORPTION, eventually leading to bone diseases. PRIMARY HYPERPARATHYROIDISM is caused by parathyroid HYPERPLASIA or PARATHYROID NEOPLASMS. SECONDARY HYPERPARATHYROIDISM is increased PTH secretion in response to HYPOCALCEMIA, usually caused by chronic KIDNEY DISEASES.
Hyperparathyroidism, Primary
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.
Primary Prevention
Specific practices for the prevention of disease or mental disorders in susceptible individuals or populations. These include HEALTH PROMOTION, including mental health; protective procedures, such as COMMUNICABLE DISEASE CONTROL; and monitoring and regulation of ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS. Primary prevention is to be distinguished from SECONDARY PREVENTION and TERTIARY PREVENTION.
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1
A form of multiple endocrine neoplasia that is characterized by the combined occurrence of tumors in the PARATHYROID GLANDS, the PITUITARY GLAND, and the PANCREATIC ISLETS. The resulting clinical signs include HYPERPARATHYROIDISM; HYPERCALCEMIA; HYPERPROLACTINEMIA; CUSHING DISEASE; GASTRINOMA; and ZOLLINGER-ELLISON SYNDROME. This disease is due to loss-of-function of the MEN1 gene, a tumor suppressor gene (GENES, TUMOR SUPPRESSOR) on CHROMOSOME 11 (Locus: 11q13).
Krukenberg Tumor
Mucocellular carcinoma of the ovary, usually metastatic from the gastrointestinal tract, characterized by areas of mucoid degeneration and the presence of signet-ring-like cells. It accounts for 30%-40% of metastatic cancers to the ovaries and possibly 1%-2% of all malignant ovarian tumors. The lesions may not be discovered until the primary disease is advanced, and most patients die of their disease within a year. In some cases, a primary tumor is not found. (From Dorland, 27th ed; Holland et al., Cancer Medicine, 3d ed, p1685)
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