Clínica y diagnóstico diferencial de los hiperparatiroidismos
ISSN: 1132-8460
Year of publication: 2009
Volume: 18
Issue: 4
Pages: 70-76
Type: Article
More publications in: Revista Española de Enfermedades Metabólicas Oseas
Abstract
Hyperparathyroidism is due to an increased activity of the parathyroid glands, leading to an inappropriate or overproduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH). The diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism is usually suspected by hypocalcaemia by routine serum calcium measurements. Primary hyperparathyroidism shows an annual incidence of approximately 20 cases per 100.000 habitants. Most cases are caused by a single adenoma of one the parathyroid glands; less than 1% of cases are related to a parathyroid carcinoma. Symptoms and clinical signs relate to chronic hypocalcaemia, rather than increased levels of hormone. Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism is based in levels of serum calcium and intact PTH and symptoms and signs. Imaging studies, mainly neck ultrasound and 99mTc sestamibi scanning, help in diagnosis and localization of adenomas.