Primary Hyperparathyroidism and Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia

BACKGROUND: Primary hyperparathyroidism is a rare but important cause of ventricular arrhythmias. METHODS AND RESULTS: The medical records of a patient with primary hyperparathyroidism and polymorphic ventricular tachycardia was reviewed. The patient was serially interviewed and examined before and after parathyroidectomy. A literature search was performed. The association of primary hyperparathyroidism and polymorphic ventricular tachycardia is rare. Hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia occur infrequently in primary hyperparathyroidism. CONCLUSIONS: The potential for malignant ventricular arrhythmias in the setting of primary hyperparathyroidism must be recognized.