Hyperparathyroidism in persons treated with X-rays for tuberculous cervical adenitis.

Follow-up examinations of one hundred persons treated with x-rays for tuberculous adenitis between 1930 and 1946 have been carried out to determine if there is an increased incidence of hyperparathyroidism (HPT) after radiation exposure. Neck explorations were done in patients with hypercalcemia and signs and symptoms compatible with HPT. Individuals with thyroid masses were also operated upon when examination of fine needle specimens gave suspicions of malignancy. Eleven subjects were found to have developed parathyroid adenoma or hyperplasia. Four other individuals have hypercalcaemia but are asymptomatic. The mean absorbed dose in the parthyroid glands varied between 75 and 2,200 rads. Six individuals received more than 1,200 rads; four of them later developed HPT, while no HPT occurred below a dose of 300 rads. The high incidence of HPT among patients who had been heavily exposed to radiation suggests a cause and effect relationship between radiation treatment and development of HPT.