Pancreatitis aguda en el escenario de hipercalcemia por hiperparatiroidismo primario / Acute pancreatitis in the setting of hypercalcemia due to primary hyperparathyroidism

Introducción: describir el caso de un paciente con pancreatitis aguda secundaria a hipercalcemia por hiperparatiroidismo prImario. Esta es una causa poco frecuente de pancreatitis, asociada a morbimortalidad significativa en caso de no ser diagnosticada oportunamente Caso clínico: un hombre de 44 años, con antecedente de pancreatitis de presunto origen biliar que había requerido previamente colecistectomía, consultó por dolor abdominal y náuseas. Los estudios complementarios fueron compatibles con un nuevo episodio de pancreatitis aguda. Presentaba hipercalcemia y hormona paratiroidea (PTH) elevada, configurando hiperparatiroidismo primario. La gammagrafía informó hallazgos compatibles con adenoma paratiroideo. Se inició tratamiento con reanimación hídrica y analgesia con adecuada disminución de calcio sérico y resolución de dolor abdominal. Después de la paratiroidectomía se logró normalizar los niveles de calcio y PTH. Discusión: la pancreatitis aguda es una condición potencialmente fatal, por lo que la sospecha de causas poco frecuentes como la hipercalcemia debe tenerse en cuenta. El tratamiento de la hipercalcemia por adenoma paratiroideo se basa en reanimación hídrica adecuada y manejo quirúrgico del adenoma, con el fin de evitar recurrencia de pancreatitis y mortalidad. (AU)

Introduction: we describe the case of a patient with acute pancreatitis secondary to hypercalcemia due to primary hyperparathyroidism. This is a rare cause of pancreatitis associated with significant morbidity and mortality if not diagnosed in time. Clinical case: a 44-year-old man with a history of pancreatitis of presumed biliary origin, which had previously required cholecystectomy, consulted for abdominal pain and nausea. The laboratory findings were compatible with a new episode of acute pancreatitis. He presented hypercalcemia and an elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH), configuring primary hyperparathyroidism. Scintigraphy was performed, yielding findings compatible with parathyroid adenoma. Treatment with fluid resuscitation and analgesia was started, resulting in an adequate decrease in serum calcium and resolution of abdominal pain. After parathyroidectomy, calcium and PTH levels were normalized. Discussion: acute pancreatitis is a potentially fatal condition; therefore the suspicion of rare causes, such as hypercalcemia, should be considered. The treatment of hypercalcemia due to parathyroid adenoma is based on adequate fluid resuscitation and surgical management of the adenoma, to avoid recurrence of pancreatitis and death. (AU)

Puesta al día: carcinoma paratiroideo / An update on parathyroid carcinoma

Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare malignant disease that presents as a sporadic or familial primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP). The latter is associated with some genetic syndromes. It occurs with equal frequency in both sexes, unlike PHP caused by parathyroid adenoma that is more common in women. It should be suspected in cases of severe hypercalcemia, with high parathyroid hormone levels and a palpable cervical mass. Given the difficulty in distinguishing between parathyroid carcinoma and adenoma prior to the surgery, the diagnosis is often made after parathyroidectomy. The only curative treatment is complete surgical resection with oncologic block resection of the primary tumor to ensure free margins. Adjuvant therapies with chemotherapy or radiation therapy do not modify overall or disease-free survival. Recurrences are common and re-operation of resectable recurrent disease is recommended. The palliative treatment of symptomatic hypercalcemia is crucial in persistent or recurrent disease after surgery since morbidity and mortality are more associated with hypercalcemia than with tumor burden.

Hiperparatiroidismo primario por carcinoma paratiroideo: caso problema y revisión / Primary hyperparathyroidism by parathyroid cancer: case report and review

El carcinoma paratiroideo (CP) es una neoplasia maligna con una incidencia de 0,015 cada 100.000 habitantes por año. Representa el 1% de los diagnósticos de hiperparatiroidismo primario y se manifiesta entre la 4.a y 5.a década de la vida, con una incidencia similar entre hombres y mujeres. La etiología del CP es incierta, ha sido asociada a formas esporádicas o familiares. Está caracterizado por altos niveles séricos de calcio y PTH y el desafío clínico-quirúrgico es el diagnóstico diferencial con otras entidades benignas como el adenoma o la hiperplasia de paratiroides. Aunque el diagnóstico de certeza es anatomopatológico, la sospecha clínica y el uso de métodos de baja complejidad (ecografía) con operadores avezados permite una correcta localización y abordaje pertinente del paciente para dirigir el tratamiento quirúrgico adecuado (resección en bloque) evitando persistencias y recurrencias de enfermedad. Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente masculino que ingresa por síndrome de impregnación asociado a hipercalcemia, su abordaje diagnóstico, tratamiento y manejo interdisciplinario con discusión y revisión bibliográfica. (AU)

Parathyroid carcinoma (CP) is a malignant disease with an incidence of 0.015 per 100,000 inhabitants per year. It accounts for 1% of primary hyperparathyroidism diagnoses and occurs between the 4th and 5th decade of life, with a similar incidence between men and women. The etiology of CP is uncertain and has been associated with sporadic or family forms. CP is characterized by high serum calcium and PTH levels and the clinical-surgical challenge is the differential diagnosis with other benign entities such as parathyroid adenoma or hyperplasia. Although the diagnosis of certainty is achieved by pathological anatomy examination, the clinical suspicion and the use of low complexity methods (ultrasound) by experienced operators allows a correct localization and a patient-specific approach to direct the appropriate surgical treatment (block resection), avoiding persistence and recurrences of disease. The clinical case of a male patient admitted for severe hypercalcemia with multiple organ disfunction, the diagnostic approaches, treatment, and interdisciplinary management, together with review and discussion of the current literature are presented. (AU)

Tumor pardo del paladar, presentación atípica de hiperparatiroidismo primario en adolescente: buena evolución y normalización de la masa ósea tras paratiroidectomía / Brown tumor of the palate, atypical presentation of primary hyperparathyroidism in an adolescent: good evolution and bone mass normalization after parathyroidectomy

El hiperparatiroidismo primario (HPTP) es poco frecuente en niños y adolescentes. Hay escasos datos para el manejo de estos pacientes en pediatría. Las glándulas paratiroideas son glándulas endocrinas que secretan hormona paratiroidea (PTH) y regulan el metabolismo del calcio y del fósforo. La sobreexpresión de PTH se llama hiperparatiroidismo, que se clasifica en primario, secundario y terciario. En los adolescentes, 80 a 92% de los hiperparatiroidismos primarios se deben a adenoma paratiroideo. Presentamos el caso clínico de una adolescente con una primera manifestación atípica de HPTP, la presencia de un tumor pardo del paladar, presentación rara de adenoma paratiroideo, acompañado de hipercalcemia, marcada elevación de PTH y varias lesiones óseas. (AU)

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) in children and adolescents is uncommon. Guidelines for management in pediatric patients are limited. Parathyroid glands are endocrine glands that secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH) and regulate calciumphosphate metabolism. The overexpression of PTH is called hyperparathyroidism, and is classified as primary, secondary, and tertiary. In adolescents, 80 to 92% of PHPT cases are due to a parathyroid adenoma. We present here a case report of an adolescent with a brown tumor of the palate as the first manifestation of the disease, atypical and rare presentation of parathyroid adenoma in an adolescent. She had hypercalcemia, marked elevation of PTH and bone lesions. (AU)

Medición de hormona paratiroidea intraoperatoria y su relación con el riesgo de enfermedad persistente post-paratiroidectomía por hiperparatiroidismo primario / Measurement of intraoperative parathyroid hormone and its relation to the risk of persistent post-parathyroidectomy disease due to primary hyperparathyroidism

Introducción: La monitorización con hormona tiroidea intraoperatoria (IOPTH) es utilizada en la práctica médica para predecir la cura bioquímica durante la paratiroidectomía del hiperparatiroidismo primario. Sin embargo, existen diversos criterios utilizados para predecir la normocalcémica luego de una paratiroidectomía. El propósito de este estudio es determinar cuál criterio es aquel que se corresponde con el menor riesgo de presentar un hiperparatiroidismo persistente luego de una paratiroidectomía por hiperparatiroidismo primario. Material y métodos: Se han analizado publicaciones realizadas en los últimos 10 años tomando como fuente de recopilación la base de datos de Pub-Med, trabajos publicados en Journal of the American Medical Associatiion y World Journal of Surgery. Conclusión: El criterio de IOPTH final en valores por debajo de los 65 pg/mL, y en especial, por debajo de los 40 pg/mL parece comportarse como mejor predictor de bajo riesgo de enfermedad persistente en comparación con el criterio de disminución de IOPTH por debajo del 50% del valor basal (AU)

Introduction: Monitoring with intraoperative thyroid hormone (IOPTH) is used in medical practice to predict the biochemical cure during the parathyroidectomy of primary hyperparathyroidism. However, there are several criteria used to predict normocalcemia after a parathyroidectomy. The purpose of this study is to determine which criterion is the one that correspons to the lowest risk of presenting a persistent hyperparathyroidism after a parathyroidectomy due to primary hyperparathyroidism. Materials and methods: Publications made in the last 10 years have been analyzed taking as a source of compilations the PubMed database, works published in Journal of the American Medical Association and World Journal of Surgery. Conclusiion: The final IOPTH criterion in values below 65 pg/mL, and especially below 40 pg/mL, seems to be the best predictor of low risk of persistent disease compared to the IOPTH decrease criterior Below 50% of the basal value (AU)

Granuloma Periférico de Células Gigantes e Hiperparatiroidismo. Presentación de un Caso / Peripheral Giant Cell Granuloma and Hyperparathyroidism. Case Report

RESUMEN: Se presenta el caso de un paciente sexo femenino 31 años, insuficienciente renal crónica en hemodiálisis, hipertensa secundaria, consulta por aumento de volumen oral en relación a encía marginal vestibular izquierda, 6 meses de evolución. Al examen se observa aumento de volumen de 15 mm en relación a piezas. 3.6 y 3.7. Radiografía muestra compromiso periodontal pieza 3.7. Se realiza biopsia excisional y exodoncia pieza 3.7. Histopatología informa granuloma periférico de células gigantes. Se solicitan exámenes de laboratorio para estudio de hiperparatiroidismo (PTH elevada, calcemia fosfatemia normales). Evoluciona favorablemente. Sin signos de recidiva a los 3 meses. El diagnóstico histopatológico de lesión de células gigantes debe ser complementado con la clínica, exámenes de laboratorio e imagenología, el objetivo final es definir si tal diagnóstico corresponde a un tumor pardo, a un granuloma central de células gigantes o a un granuloma periférico de células gigantes. En la literatura los reportes de asociación entre granuloma periférico de células gigantes e hiperparatiroidismo son escasos. Este caso corresponde a granuloma periférico células gigantes, asociado a hipersecreción de paratohormona.

ABSTRACT: A 31-year-old female patient with chronic renal insufficiency in hemodialysis and secondary hypertension consulted due to an enlarging intraoral lesion in relation to the left marginal vestibular gingival, with 6 months of evolution. A 15mm mass in relation to mandibular left molars was noted. Radiograph showed periodontal involvement of mandibular left second molar. Excisional biopsy and tooth 3.7 extraction were performed. Histopathology reported a peripheral giant cell granuloma. Laboratory tests were requested for suspected hyperparathyroidism (aiding in the diagnosis) (high PTH, normal phosphatemia and calcemia). Evolution was favorable, without signs of reappearance after 3 months. The histopathological diagnosis of giant cell lesions should be complemented with clinical, laboratory and imaging tests. The final objective is to make the differential diagnosis between brown tumor, central giant cell granuloma and peripheral giant cell granuloma because the treatment varies considerably. There are few reports in the literature about the association between peripheral giant cell granuloma and hyperparathyroidism. This case corresponds to peripheral giant cell granuloma, possibly associated with parathormone hypersecretion.

Cáncer de paratiroides e hipercalcemia de difícil manejo: un desafío diagnóstico / Parathyroid cancer and hypercalcemia difficult to manage: a diagnostic challenge

INTRODUCCIÓN: El carcinoma de paratiroides es una enfermedad de difícil diagnóstico, siendo perentorio una detección precoz y un tratamiento oportuno para prevenir las complicaciones. CASO CLÍNICO: Se presenta paciente de 42 años que debuta con hipercalcemia de 16.1 mg/dl, PTH 1573 pg/mL y lesión sugerente de adenoma de paratiroides. Biopsia quirúrgica identifica carcinoma paratiroideo sin invasión, realizándose posteriormente lobectomía derecha con foco de 0,1 mm de carcinoma paratiroideo, con bordes libres. En comité oncológico se decide seguimiento estricto; sin embargo, a los seis meses requiere hospitalización nuevamente por hipercalcemia, a la ecografía cervical presenta dos nódulos hipoecogénicos menores a 1 cm en lecho quirúrgico. Tomografía computada sin evidencia de lesiones. Con estos antecedentes, se decide exploración cervical, encontrándose tumor de 2 cm, multilobulado, paraesofágico. Biopsia evidencia carcinoma paratiroideo con invasión en tejido graso y músculo estriado. Se descarta radioterapia paliativa y quimioterapia debido a escasa evidencia, quedando en cuidados paliativos. DISCUSIÓN: El cáncer de paratiroides es una enfermedad de difícil diagnóstico. En muchos casos se ha descrito la crisis hipercalcémica como presentación inicial. La resección en bloque de la lesión de paratiroides con hemitiroidectomía ipsilateral es el tratamiento estándar. Es un tumor radio resistente y la quimioterapia adyuvante no ha demostrado aumento en la sobrevida. En pacientes con enfermedad inoperable, el pronóstico es pobre, siendo fundamental el control de calcemia y PTH, las cuales son la causa principal de morbimortalidad. CONCLUSIONES: El carcinoma paratiroideo es una enfermedad rara, cuyo diagnóstico y tratamiento representan un verdadero desafío clínico, siendo crucial el alto índice de sospecha. Su curso es crónico y de mal pronóstico, por lo que para pacientes de alto riesgo debe considerarse una cirugía radical desde el inicio.

INTRODUCTION: Parathyroid carcinoma is a difficult diagnosis, with early detection and timely treatment to prevent complications being imperative. CLINICAL CASE: A 42-year-old patient presenting with hypercalcemia of 16.1 mg / dl, PTH 1573 pg / mL and suggestive lesion of parathyroid adenoma is presented. Surgical biopsy identifies parathyroid carcinoma without invasion, subsequently performing right lobectomy with 0.1 mm focus of parathyroid carcinoma, with free borders. Oncological committee, strict follow-up is decided; However, at six months he requires hospitalization again for hypercalcemia, at cervical ultrasound he presents two hypoechogenic nodules smaller than 1 cm in the surgical bed. CT scan without evidence of injuries. With this background, cervical exploration is decided, finding a 2 cm, multilobed, paraesophageal tumor. Biopsy shows parathyroid carcinoma with invasion of fatty tissue and striated muscle. Palliative radiotherapy and chemotherapy are ruled out due to limited evidence, remaining in palliative care. DISCUSSION: Parathyroid cancer is a difficult diagnosis disease. In many cases the hypercalcemic crisis has been described as an initial presentation. Block resection of the parathyroid lesion with ipsilateral hemitiroidectomy is the standard treatment. It is a radioresistant tumor and adjuvant chemotherapy has not shown an increase in survival. In patients with inoperable disease, the prognosis is poor, with the control of calcemia and PTH being essential, which are the main cause of morbidity and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare disease, the diagnosis and treatment of which represent a real clinical challenge, the high index of suspicion being crucial. Its course is chronic and has a poor prognosis, so for high-risk patients, radical surgery should be considered from the beginning.

Disparity between Preoperative and Pre-Excisional Intraoperative Parathyroid Hormone in Parathyroid Surgery

Abstract Introduction Intraoperative parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) testing is a widely accepted standard for assessing the parathyroid gland function. A decline of preoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels by more than 50% is one accepted measure of parathyroid surgery adequacy. However, there may be a variation between preoperative PTH levels obtained at a clinic visit and pre-excisional ioPTH. Objective Our study explores the differences between preoperative PTH and pre-excisional ioPTH levels, and the potential impact this difference has on determining the adequacy of parathyroid surgery. Methods A retrospective study that consisted of 33 patients that had undergone parathyroid resection between September 2009 and March 2016 at a tertiary academic center was performed. Each subject's preoperative PTH levels were obtained from clinic visits and pre-excisional ioPTH levels were recorded along with the time interval between the measurements. Results There was a significant difference between the mean preoperative PTH and the pre-excisional ioPTH levels of 147 pg/mL (95% confidence interval [CI] 11.43 to 284.47; p= 0.0396). The exclusion of four outliers revealed a further significant difference with a mean of 35.09 pg/mL (95% CI 20.27 to 49.92; p< 0.0001). The average time interval between blood draws was 48 days + 32 days. A weak correlation between the change in PTH values and the time interval between preoperative and pre-excision blood draws was noted (r2 = 0.15). Conclusion Our study reveals a significant difference between the preoperative PTH levels obtained at clinic visits and the pre-excisional intraoperative PTH levels. We recommend routine pre-excisional intraoperative PTH levels, despite evidence of elevated preoperative PTH levels, in order to more accurately assess the adequacy of surgical resection.

Autofluorescencia: un método innovador en la identificación intraoperatoria de adenomas paratiroideos / Autofluorescence: an innovative method in the intraoperative identification of parathyroid adenomas

RESUMEN Introducción El tratamiento definitivo del hiperparatiroidismo primario es la resección quirúrgica de la glándula paratiroidea anómala. Su identificación resulta un desafío aun para cirujanos expertos. Hasta el momento no se han descripto métodos inocuos y efectivos para la identificación intraoperatoria de las glándulas. Tenemos como objetivo reportar la experiencia del uso de autofluorescencia en la identificación de las glándulas paratiroideas. Método Se incluyeron pacientes con hiperparatiroidismo primario evaluados preoperatoriamente con laboratorio, ecografía cervical y centellografía con Tc-99 MIBI. Durante el acto operatorio se utilizó un método de autofluorescencia (VINFLUO-P) para identificar las glándulas paratiroides (GP). Se analizó la intensidad lumínica de las (GP) normales y anómalas (AP) y distintas covariables. Se dosó PTH ultra rápida post resección del AP y se evaluó la histopatología de la pieza intraoperatoriamente. Resultados Se incluyeron 59 pacientes. La ecografía preoperatoria predijo la ubicación correcta en el 68% y el centellograma Tc-99 MIBI el 75% de los AP. La localización más frecuente fue inferior derecha (29%). El VINFLUO-P facilitó la visualización de las GP y los AP en el 100% de los pacientes con un aumento del 27% respecto a la luz blanca. Se evidenció un descenso postoperatorio de PTH del 76,44% y de la calcemia en 1,8 mg/dl. La intensidad de la luz reflejada por los AP fue mayor que la de las GP normales (p <0,001). Se observó una relación lineal entre PTH e intensidad lumínica de AP. (CC = 0,448; p = 0,045). El patrón arquitectural sólido de los AP evidenció una asociación negativa (CC = -0,4709 p = 0,03). Conclusión La utilización del VINFLUO-P demostró ser efectivo para la identificación de las GP normales y patológicas. Las glándulas anómalas resultaron con mayor fluorescencia que los tejidos normales.

ABSTRACT Introduction The treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism consists on the resection of the abnormal parathyroid gland (PG). Identification of PGs is challenging even for expert surgeons. Currently, there are no effective and harmless methods for intraoperative identification of PGs. The aim of this study is to report our experience with the identification of PGs using autofluorescence. Materials and methods Patients with diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism were included in the study. Patients were preoperatively worked up with labs [parathyroid hormone (PTH), serum calcium], neck ultrasound (US) and Technetium (99mTc) sestamibi. The parathyroid gland Intraoperative fluorescent visualization (PG-IFV) method was used during the surgery to identify PGs. The fluorescent intensity ratio of normal PGs and parathyroid adenomas (PA) was analyzed and correlated to different variables. All patients underwent a post-resection rapid PTH analysis and frozen section. Results Fifty-nine patients were included in the study. The US accurately predicted the location of the PA in 68% of the cases, while 99mTc sestamibi was accurate in 75% of the cases. The most frequently reported localization of the adenoma was right inferior (29%). PG-IFV facilitated the visualization of the PGs in 100% of the cases, with a 27% increase in the visualization of the PGs when compared to white light. The postoperative PTH decreased 76.4% and the calcium 1.8 mg/dl. The fluorescent intensity ratio of the PAs was significantly higher than normal PGs (44.4 vs 27.2, p <0.001). There was positive correlation between the PTH and the fluorescent intensity ratio of the PAs [Spearman's correlation coefficient (SCC) = 0.448; p = 0.045]. The solid histoarchitectural pattern of the PAs presented a negative correlation with fluorescent intensity ratio (SCC = -0.4709, p = 0.03). Conclusion The use of PG-IFV is an effective method for intraoperative identification of normal and abnormal PGs. The fluorescent intensity ratio of abnormal PGs was significantly higher than normal PGs.

Hiperparatiroidismo primario en adolescente. Reporte de caso / Primary hyperparathyroidism in adolescent. Case report

INTRODUCTION: The hypercalcemia is infrequent in pediatrics, its clinical is diverse, and its etiology is determined by age. Among the dependent causes of parathormone (PHT) is the hyperthyroidism, state of hypersecretion of PHT by parathyroid glands (PG). The primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is rare in children, there are 200 reported cases. In older children, the causes for PHPT correspond to parathyroid adenoma, multiglandular disease and parathyroid carcinoma. OBJECTIVE: Report a case of an 11 years old male adolescent. He presents three months symptoms of constipation, anorexia, vomiting and weight loss. Urgent consultation due to an increase of his symptoms, in exams stand out: calcemia 16.67 mg/dl (NV 8.8-10.8 mg/dl), phosphatemia 2.21 mg/dl (NV 4.5-5.5 mg/dl), parathormone (PHT) 308.7 pg/ml (NV 15-68.3 pg/ml), calciuria/creatininuria 0.56 (NV < 0.2). He was hospitalized to manage his severe hypercalcemia, it was indicated hyperhydration, monopotassium phosphate, intravenous hydrocortisone and furosemide. In his study was performed a cervical ultrasound which showed a solid node in the right parathyroid gland, hypoechogenic and scintigram parathyroid compatible with right superior parathyroid adenoma. In the waiting for surgery was necessary the administration of intravenous pamidronate. In the post-operatory, he evolved with hipocalcemia that was corrected with intravenous calcium carbonate, overlapping to oral calcium and calcitriol. CONCLUSION: The PHPT is a pathology of low prevalence in pediatrics, one hundred times less than adults. In the adolescent, the most frequent cause is the parathyroid adenoma. It should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of symptomatic hypercalcemia in this age group

Crisis hipercalcémica causada por adenoma paratiroideo: reporte de un caso clínico / Hypercalcemic crisis due to parathyroid adenoma: report of a clinical case

La hipercalcemia es un trastorno común que representa aproximadamente el 0,6% de todas las admisiones médicas agudas. El hiperparatiroidismo primario (HPTP) y las neoplasias malignas son las dos causas más comunes de elevación de los niveles séricos de calcio; constituyen, en conjunto, alrededor del 90% de todos los casos. La presentación sintomática clásica de la hipercalcemia se observa con relativa poca frecuencia en el mundo desarrollado; la presentación más común es la detección asintomática en las pruebas bioquímicas. Sin embargo, en casos raros, el HPTP puede desarrollar hipercalcemia aguda, grave y sintomática, llamada crisis hipercalcémica (CH). Esta condición se asocia a alteraciones profundas en el estado mental y las funciones cardíaca, renal y gastrointestinal en presencia de concentraciones marcadamente elevadas de calcio sérico y paratohormona (PTH). Mientras que algunas elevaciones en el calcio sérico pueden ser bien toleradas, los síntomas de la CH son severos. Si el tratamiento se retrasa, la CH puede provocar la muerte. Describimos el caso de un paciente masculino que ingresa en la unidad de cuidados críticos por una CH secundaria a un HPTP por adenoma paratiroideo. (AU)

Hypercalcaemia is a most common disorder, accounting for approximately 0,6% of all acute medical admissions. Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and malignancy are the two most common causes of increased serum calcium levels, together accounting for about 90% of all cases. The classical symptomatic presentation of hypercalcaemia is seen relatively rarely in the developed world, the most common presentation being asymptomatic and detected following on biochemical testing. However, in rare cases HPTP can result in acute, severe and symptomatic hypercalcemia, called hypercalcemic crisis (HC). This condition is associated with profound disturbances in mental status, and cardiac, renal, and gastrointestinal function in the presence of markedly increased serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations. While some elevations in serum calcium can be well tolerated, symptoms of HC are severe. If treatment is delayed, HC can result in death. We describe herein a case of a male patient who was admitted to the intensive care unit as a consequence of HC resulting from elevated PTH, secondary to a parathyroid adenoma. We describe the case of a male patient who was admitted to the critical care unit for a HC mediated by PTH secondary to a parathyroid adenoma. (AU)

Paratirotoxicosis y tumor cervical palpable: caso clínico de cáncer de paratiroides / Parathyrotoxicosis and palpable neck mass: a clinical presentation of parathyroid cancer

Introducción: El cáncer de paratiroides es poco frecuente. Suele presentarse como hiperparatiroidismo primario, en ocasiones como crisis hipercalcémica, con malestar general, náuseas, vómitos, alteraciones del ánimo y pérdida de peso. En algunos casos se presenta como osteítis fibrosa quística, osteopenia difusa, osteoporosis y fracturas patológicas. El diagnóstico suele estar dado por biopsia quirúrgica que muestra invasión a estructuras adyacentes, o metástasis locales y distantes. El tratamiento es la resección quirúrgica del tumor, sin uso de terapias adyuvantes. Su tasa de recurrencia es alta, de 25 a 100%. Algunos factores de mal pronóstico son metástasis a linfonodos en la presentación inicial, metástasis distantes y carcinomas no funcionantes. Caso clínico: Paciente masculino de 64 años que consultó por compromiso del estado general, bradipsiquia, poliuria, cefalea y masa cervical. Además presentaba hipercalcemia y gran elevación de PTH. Se realizó resección quirúrgica de la masa cervical, con biopsia rápida con atipias y mitosis 1/10, y de un nódulo hiperplásico tiroideo. Tras esto, sus niveles de PTH disminuyeron, así como también descendieron sus niveles de calcio. Discusión: Los pacientes que presentan cáncer de paratiroides suelen tener valores más elevados de calcemia y PTH. Para su diagnóstico, no se recomienda usar biopsia por punción, por riesgo de diseminación y por el bajo rendimiento de esta técnica. Conclusión: Pese a ser poco frecuente, se debe pensar en cáncer de paratiroides en el contexto de un paciente con hipercalcemia, especialmente si presenta PTH muy elevada. La sospecha clínica de este diagnóstico tiene directa relación con la posibilidad de tratamiento y pronóstico de la enfermedad.

Introduction: Parathyroid cancer is rare. Usually presented as primary hyperparathyroidism, sometimes as hypercalcemic crisis, with general malaise, nausea, vomiting, mood disturbances and low weight. In some cases it occurs as osteitis fibrosa cystica, diffuse osteopenia, osteoporosis and pathological fractures. The diagnosis is usually made by surgical biopsy shows invasion of adjacent structures, or local and distant metastases. The treatment is surgical resection of the tumor, without the use of adjuvant therapies. Their recurrence rate is high, 25 to 100%. Poor prognostic factors are lymph node metastases at initial presentation, distant metastases and nonfunctional carcinomas. Case report: Male patient consulted for 64 years in general conditions, bradypsychia, polyuria, headache and neck mass. He also had hypercalcemia and high elevation of PTH. Surgical resection of the cervical mass was performed, with rapid biopsy atypia and mitosis 1/10, and hyperplastic thyroid nodule. After this, PTH decreased levels as well as levels of calcium. Discussion: Patients with parathyroid cancer tend to have higher serum calcium and PTH of values. For diagnosis, it is not recommended to use needle biopsy, risk of spread and the poor performance of this technique. Conclusion: Despite being rare, you should think parathyroid cancer in the context of a patient with hypercalcemia, especially if you have very high PTH. The clinical suspicion of this diagnosis is directly related to the possibility of treatment and prognosis of the disease.

Hipercalcemia hipocalciurica familiar en una paciente con mutación del receptor de calcio: forma atípica de presentación y tratamiento con cinacalcet / Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia in a patient with calcium-sensing receptor mutation: atypical clinical presentation and treatment with cinacalcet

El hiperparatiroidismo familiar y la hipercalcemia hipocalciúrica familiar (HHF) constituyen un subgrupo heterogéneo de trastornos con herencia mendeliana, que representan en conjunto el 5% de las causas de hipercalcemia PTH dependiente. La HHF se asocia con mutaciones del gen del receptor sensor de calcio (CaSR). Esta entidad se manifiesta, en la mayoría de los casos, con la presentación asintomática y familiar de hipercalcemia e hipocalciuria y valores elevados o normales de hormona paratiroidea (PTH). Los avances en la biología molecular han contribuido al diagnóstico, evaluación del fenotipo de cada entidad y elección del tratamiento. Se describe el caso de una paciente con hipercalcemia estudiada a partir de una tumoración de cuello asociada con una glándula paratiroides quística. Luego de un exhaustivo proceso diagnóstico se halló en el estudio genético una mutación inactivante en el gen CaSR. Teniendo en cuenta la presencia de la relación clearance calcio/clearance creatinina <0,01 y la falta de respuesta al tratamiento quirúrgico, se consideró la entidad de HHF con forma de presentación atípica. La paciente, sin tratamiento, presentaba un progresivo incremento de la calcemia luego de la cirugía de las glándulas paratiroides, que no se controló con el uso de bifosfonatos y evolucionó con episodios de mareos y desmayos frecuentes sin causa neurológica o cardiovascular detectada. Por lo tanto, se inició el tratamiento con cinacalcet, con el cual se obtuvo una buena respuesta terapéutica: descenso de la calcemia y mejoría de la sintomatología luego de un año de su comienzo. El cinacalcet es una herramienta terapéutica de importancia en estos raros casos de HHF. (AU)

Familial hyperparathyroidism including familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) is an heterogeneous subgroup of disorders with Mendelian inheritance, that account for 5% of PTH dependent hypercalcemia. FHH is associated with mutations of the calcium receptor (CaSR) gene. This entity is manifested by hypercalcemia with hypocalciuria and high or normal levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) generally asymptomatic and with familial presentation. Advances in molecular biology have contributed to the diagnosis, evaluation of the phenotype of each entity and the choice of treatment. We describe a patient with hypercalcemia diagnosed following the finding of a neck tumor associated with cystic parathyroids. After an exhaustive diagnostic process, an inactivating mutation in the CaSR gene was found. Considering the presence of a ratio clearance calcium / clearance creatinine <0.01 and the lack of response to surgical treatment, HHF entity with atypical presentation was considered. The patient exhibited progressive increase in serum calcium following parathyroid surgery, which was not controlled with the use of bisphosphonates and evolved into episodes of frequent dizziness and fainting, without neurological or cardiovascular causes. Treatment with cinacalcet was initiated, with a good therapeutic response. The use of cinacalcet is a useful therapeutic tool in these rare cases of FHH. (AU)

Evaluation of preoperative ultrasonographic and biochemical features of patients with aggressive parathyroid disease: is there a reliable predictive marker?

ABSTRACT Objective Parathyroid cancer (PC) represents < 1% of cases of PHPT. Tumors demonstrating atypical histopathologic features and don’t fulfill criteria for carcinoma are classified as atypical adenomas (APA). The purpose of this study was to determine a biochemical or ultrasonographic feature that can predict aggressive disease requiring more extensive surgery and closer follow-up. Subjects and methods Twenty eight patients operated for PHPT and diagnosed with atypical adenoma (23 patients) or carcinoma (5 patients) were enrolled in this study. The control group consisted of 102 patients operated between the same dates and diagnosed with classical PA. Classical adenomas, atypical adenomas, and carcinomas were compared according to their biochemical and ultrasonographic parameters. Results Serum Ca levels were significantly higher in the PC group compared with the APA and classical PA groups. Serum median PTH, Serum ALP and UCa was significantly higher in the APA and carcinoma groups compared to the classical PA group. ROC analysis was made to determine the best cut off values for predicting aggressive disease were 12.45 mg/dL, 265.05 pg/mL, 154.5 IU/l, 348.5 mg/day and 21.5 mm for Ca, PTH, ALP, UCa and the adenoma diameter, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that serum Ca, ALP and isoechoic/cystic appearance were independent predictors for aggressive disease. Conclusion Preoperatively high PTH, ALP, and UCa levels and large lesions with isoechoic or cystic appearances may be predictive of atypical adenoma or carcinoma in patients being evaluated for PHPT. In such cases, surgeons may prefer en bloc parathyroidectomy to minimally invasive surgery.

Regression of orbital brown tumor after surgical removal of parathyroid adenoma

Brown tumors are rare skeletal manifestations that occur in less than 2% of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) cases. Even rarer is the occurrence of brown tumor of the orbit, and few cases have been reported around the world. The rare instance of this benign tumor has prompted us to report the case and treatment of an orbital brown tumor in a patient with PHPT caused by parathyroid adenoma. We present the case of a patient undergoing follow-up at a referral center. The 60-year-old female patient, presented herself with progressive swelling in the nasal region, epistaxis and proptosis, she had noticed seven months prior to our examination. Multiple imaging and laboratory findings revealed parathyroid hormone (PTH)-dependent hypercalcemia (total calcium = 14.3 mg/dL and PTH = 1,573 pg/mL), a nodular lesion in the upper pole of the left thyroid lobe and increased uptake in left upper cervical region. The patient underwent left superior parathyroidectomy in September 2011, which led to the normalization of hypercalcemia and regression of the orbital tumor, as seen on control CT scan. This case highlights the spontaneous regression of the brown tumor after surgical management of the parathyroid adenoma.

Tumor pardo multifocal como manifestación del hiperparatiroidismo primario por adenoma paratiroideo asociado a carcinoma papilar de tiroides / Brown tumor of the pelvis associated with hyperparathyroidism

Background: Brown tumors of bones are an uncommon manifestation of hyperparathyroidism. Case report: We report a 35 years old male presenting with pain and paresis of the left superior limb. Part of his humerus was excised due to a diagnosis of a giant cell tumor. He was admitted again to the hospital due to pelvic pain, malaise and constipation. A right cervical nodule was found. Laboratory evaluation confirmed the presence of a hyperparathyroidism. The biopsy of the pelvic lesion disclosed a brown tumor. The patient was subjected to a parathyroidectomy and the pathological study of the surgical piece showed a right parathyroid adenoma and a right thyroid papillary micro carcinoma. In the postoperative period the patient had a hungry bone syndrome, which was adequately treated.

Introducción: La paratohormona es una hormona encargada de la homeostasis del calcio, el hiperparatiroidismo es una patología con manifestaciones renales y óseas, el Tumor Pardo es una rara presentación de esta enfermedad. Caso clínico: Hombre de 35 años con dolor y paresia en extremidad superior izquierda, fue resecado parte del húmero por un diagnóstico de Tumor de Células Gigantes; reingresa con dolor pélvico derecho, malestar general, astenia y estreñimiento. Se descubre un nódulo cervical derecho e hipersensibilidad en la pelvis derecha. Los exámenes de laboratorio muestran hiperparatiroidismo; la biopsia de la lesión pélvica es diagnóstica de Tumor Pardo, encontrándose además una hipercaptación paratiroidea derecha. Operado, el diagnóstico histopatológico fue: Adenoma paratiroideo derecho y un micro carcinoma papilar tiroideo; en el post-operatorio desarrolló un Síndrome de Bone Hunger, el cual fue superado y dado de alta. Discusión y conclusiones: El Tumor Pardo no es una verdadera neoplasia; producido por intensa actividad osteoclástica, tiene características histológicas y radiológicas inespecíficas y su diagnóstico se realiza por datos clínicos y bioquímicos. El hiperparatiroidismo puede llevar a la formación de Tumores Pardos; se sugiere realizar estudios de la glándula tiroides en pacientes con hiperparatiroidismo.

A rare case of a parathyroid adenoma inside a parathyroid cyst / Um caso raro de adenoma de paratireoide em um cisto de paratireoide

Parathyroid cysts (PCs) are rare lesions, located in the neck and anterior mediastinal region. The vast majority are non-functioning, presented as nodular cervical lesions. Large, non-functioning PCs can manifest with compressive symptoms of the surrounding tissues. Rarely, PCs produce excessive amounts of parathyroid hormone (PTH), resulting in primary hyperparathyroidism. We report a case of functional PC, describing its diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

Os cistos de paratireoide (PCs) são lesões raras, localizadas no pescoço e na região do mediastino anterior. A grande maioria é não funcionante, apresentando-se como lesões cervicais nodulares. PCs não funcionantes de grandes dimensões podem se manifestar com sintomas compressivos. Raramente, PCs produzem quantidades excessivas de hormônio da paratireoide (PTH), o que resulta em hiperparatiroidismo primário. Relatamos um caso de PC funcional, descrevendo sua abordagem diagnóstica e terapêutica.

Normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism: long-term follow-up associated with multiple adenomas / Hiperparatireoidismo primário normocalcêmico associado a múltiplos adenomas

Normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism (NPHPT) is a condition characterized by elevation of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the presence of normal serum calcium and the absence of secondary causes. The case described illustrates the long-term follow-up of a postmenopausal woman with NPHPT patient who progressed with multiple adenomas. This case reports a 77-year-old female who has chronic generalized pain and osteoporosis. Her initial serum PTH was 105 pg/mL, with total serum calcium of 9.6 mg/dL, albumin 4.79 g/dL, phosphorus 2.8 mg/dL, and 25OHD after supplementation was 34.6 ng/mL. The bone densitometry (BMD) results were as follows: lumbar spine: T-score -3.0, femoral neck: T-score -2.6 and distal radius: -4.2. Other causes of secondary hyperparathyroidism were ruled out and cervical ultrasound and Tc-99-Sestamibi scan were negative. She used oral alendronate and three infusions of zoledronic acid for treatment of osteoporosis. In the 10th year of follow-up, after successive negative cervical imaging, ultrasound showed a nodule suggestive of an enlarged right inferior parathyroid gland. PTH levels in fluid which was obtained during fine-needle aspiration (FNA) were over 5,000 pg/mL and a Sestamibi scan was negative. The patient underwent parathyroidectomy, and a histological examination confirmed parathyroid adenoma. Post-operatively serum PTH remained elevated in the presence of normal serum calcium levels. A follow-up cervical ultrasound showed a new solid nodule suggestive of an enlarged right superior parathyroid gland. PTH levels in the aspiration fluid were remarkably high. A second parathyroidectomy was performed, with the excision of a histologically confirmed parathyroid adenoma. In conclusion, this is an unusual presentation of NPHPT and highlights the long-term complications.

Hiperparatiroidismo primário normocalcêmico (NPHPT) caracteriza-se pela elevação do hormônio da paratiroide (PTH), na ausência da elevação dos níveis séricos de cálcio e exclusão de causas secundárias. O caso descrito ilustra o seguimento de uma mulher na pós-menopausa com NPHPT que evoluiu com múltiplos adenomas. Este caso relata uma paciente de 77 anos de idade que tem dor generalizada crônica e osteoporose. O PTH inicial foi elevado com níveis séricos de cálcio, albumina, fósforo e 25OH vitamina D normais. A densitometria óssea (DMO) evidenciou um T-SCORE da coluna lombar: -3.0, colo do fêmur: -2.6 e rádio distal: -4.2. Outras causas de hiperparatireoidismo secundário foram descartadas e a ultrassonografia cervical e varredura com Sestamibi foram negativos. Fez uso de alendronato e três infusões de ácido zoledrônico para o tratamento da osteoporose. No décimo ano de seguimento, depois de sucessivas imagens negativas, a ultrassonografia evidenciou um nódulo sugestivo de adenoma de paratireoide inferior direita. A paciente foi submetida à paratireoidectomia, e um exame histológico confirmou a hipótese. A elevação dos níveis séricos de PTH no pós-operatório se manteve com níveis normais de cálcio. A nova ultrassonografia cervical evidenciou outro nódulo sugestivo de adenoma de paratireoide superior direita. Uma segunda paratireoidectomia foi realizada, cujo histológico confirmou outro adenoma de paratireoide. Conclui-se que essa é uma apresentação incomum de NPHPT e destaca as complicações a longo prazo.