Hyperparathyroidism due to parathyroid carcinoma located in the mediastinum
Boddi, W.; Nozzoli, C.; Francois, C.; Amorosi, A.; Grifoni, S.; Morettini, A.; Olivotto, J.; Berni, G.
Annali Italiani di Medicina Interna Organo Ufficiale Della Societa Italiana di Medicina Interna 9(1): 32-34
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0393-9340 PMID: 8003390 Document Number: 424180
Parathyroid gland carcinoma is a rare cause of primary hyperparathyroidism. The authors discuss the case of a 56-year-old man who presented with hypercalcemia and multiple bone lesions suggestive of tumor metastases. Laboratory and radiological investigations revealed primary hyperparathyroidism in a patient with evidence of osteitis fibrosa cystica, sustained by carcinoma of a mediastinal parathyroid gland. Early titration of parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in all patients with hypercalcemia of unclear cause is important for early diagnosis of cases that are tumor-sustained and prevention of the most severe complications. The role of immunostaining with anti-PTH antibodies in demonstrating parathyroid gland tissue in ectopic and/or non-functioning primary tumors, as well as metastases, is also discussed.