[Asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism in women]

Primary hyperparathyroidism may have different characteristics. One is the asymptomatic form. This is a mild variant of hypercalcemic hyperparathyroidism, characterized by a calcemia not greater than 1 mg/dl above the upper limit of the method, a high intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), absence of renal stones, renal function impairement, and osteoporosis, less than 50 years of age, and less than 400 mg/day calciuria. It is not a surgical entity, but its evolution may require it. Twenty-four postmenopausal women, all older than 50 years, with a diagnosis of asymptomatic hyperparathyroidism, were studied. Clinical manifestations, densitometric changes, biochemical parameters and bone remodeling were analyzed and the results were compared with the classic and normocalcemic variants of the disease. Diagnostic criteria were established and observed that only 2 (8.3%) of patients, during a follow up of 44 ± 12 months, had need for a parathyroidectomy. In conclusion, the asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism is a benign disorder, of periodic clinical follow-up, which rarely may require surgery.