High or inappropriately normal parathormone (PTH) levels in the presence of hypercalcemia are very suggestive of primary hyperparathyroidism. Once the biochemical diagnosis is confirmed, surgery may be indicated according to specific guidelines. When this is the case, several preoperative localization studies may be performed, such as ultrasonography, computerized tomography, magnetic resonance and parathyroid scintigraphy. These exams may be ordered in an attempt to help the surgeon by pointing out the precise localization of one or more enlarged parathyroid glands. However, […]

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) is a frequent endocrinopathy. Increased serum calcium levels may be considered as a potential marker for parathyroid autonomy and this explains why PHP should be routinely investigated in whoever presents with hypercalcemia. High or inappropriately normal PTH levels in the presence of hypercalcemia are very suggestive of PHP. On the other hand, PHP is very unlikely in the absence of hypercalcemia. Extracellular calcium concentrations may be evaluated by the measurement of total or ionized calcium, but the […]