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Restless legs syndrome associated with primary hyperparathyroidism.
Li Ling Lim1, Dudley Dinner, Kwang Wei Tham
1Department of Neurology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA. lilinglim@aol.com
Sleep Medicine
|April 28, 2005
Summary
Restless legs syndrome (RLS), a sleep disorder, can be unusually caused by primary hyperparathyroidism. Surgical treatment of hyperparathyroidism led to complete RLS symptom relief, highlighting a potentially curative option.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations.
- RLS is typically primary or secondary to conditions like iron deficiency, uremia, or peripheral neuropathy.
- The underlying pathophysiology of RLS remains incompletely understood, limiting curative treatment options.
Observation:
- A case of RLS was identified with an uncommon secondary cause: primary hyperparathyroidism with associated hypercalcemia.
- The patient presented with typical RLS symptoms that were significantly impacting quality of life.
Findings:
- Surgical removal of the parathyroid adenoma (parathyroidectomy) resulted in immediate and sustained resolution of RLS symptoms.
- Post-operative normalization of serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcium levels correlated with the disappearance of RLS symptoms.
Implications:
- Primary hyperparathyroidism should be considered as a potential, albeit rare, secondary cause of Restless Legs Syndrome.
- Identifying and treating hyperparathyroidism offers a potentially curative approach for RLS, contrasting with the usual symptomatic management.
- This case underscores the importance of thorough etiological investigation in disabling conditions like RLS.