Primary Hyperparathyroidism: A Case Series.

INTRODUCTION

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is an uncommon endocrine disorder characterized by overproduction of parathyroid hormone. It is diagnosed either due to symptoms or by noting an elevated calcium level on laboratory tests drawn for other reasons. There is a suggestion that PHPT may be related to other autoimmune disorders.

CASE PRESENTATION: We present four cases of PHPT with different symptomatic presentations. Three of the patients had other autoimmune disorders. Three were treated surgically and one elected watchful waiting. We also looked at the incidence rates across 20 family medicine clinics in Wisconsin to determine whether PHPT has increased in frequency.

DISCUSSION: All four of our cases presented differently, and 3 had other autoimmune disorders. The incidence in our clinics did not change over the last 5 years.

CONCLUSION

PHPT is an uncommon disorder, but one that primary care clinicians will see in the office. These cases illustrate the variety of presentations of PHPT.