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Could primary hyperparathyroidism-related hypercalcemia induce hypercalcitoninemia?
B Conte-Devolx1, N Morlet-Barla, F Roux
1Faculté de Médecine, Université de la Méditerranée et Service d'Endocrinologie, Diabète et Maladies Métaboliques, Marseille, France.
Hormone Research in Paediatrics
|April 15, 2010
Summary
Primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) does not cause high calcitonin (CT) levels. In patients with pHPT, elevated CT may indicate multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
Background:
- Primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is characterized by chronic hypercalcemia.
- Hypercalcemia is a potential stimulus for calcitonin (CT) secretion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) itself leads to elevated calcitonin (CT) levels.
- To assess the relationship between chronic hypercalcemia in pHPT and CT secretion.
Main Methods:
- Studied 122 patients with pHPT undergoing parathyroid surgery.
- Measured preoperative plasma levels of CT, calcium, and parathyroid hormone (PTH).
- Utilized an immunometric assay for mature CT monomer detection.
Main Results:
- 120 out of 122 (98.4%) pHPT patients had normal CT levels (<10 pg/ml).
- Only two patients (1.6%) showed mildly elevated CT levels (11-12 pg/ml).
- No significant correlation was found between CT levels and calcium or PTH levels.
Conclusions:
- Chronic hypercalcemia associated with primary hyperparathyroidism does not cause hypercalcitoninemia.
- Elevated CT levels in pHPT patients warrant investigation for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A).
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