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Cardiac hypertrophy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and hyperparathyroidism--an association
Insights
Primary hyperparathyroidism often causes left ventricular hypertrophy. Elevated parathyroid hormone, not high calcium, appears linked to this heart condition, suggesting further diagnostic testing.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Medical Research
Background:
- Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is frequently observed in primary hyperparathyroidism.
- The specific role of parathyroid hormone (PTH) versus hypercalcemia in LVH development requires clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between parathyroid hormone levels and left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.
- To differentiate the contribution of PTH from that of calcium in the pathogenesis of LVH.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 18 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
- Measurement of serum parathyroid hormone and calcium concentrations.
- Echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular structure.
Main Results:
- Five of 18 patients with HCM had elevated PTH and normal calcium.
- No LVH was observed in six patients with hypercalcemia alone.
- A correlation was found between elevated PTH and LVH spectrum.
Conclusions:
- Parathyroid hormone, rather than hypercalcemia, is associated with left ventricular hypertrophy.
- Echocardiography is recommended for patients with elevated PTH.
- PTH measurement is advised for patients with unexplained LVH, particularly HCM.
Abstract:
Left ventricular hypertrophy (symmetric, asymmetric, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) is an almost invariable accompaniment of primary hyperparathyroidism. Five of 18 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy had raised serum concentrations of parathyroid hormone with normal serum calcium concentrations. Left ventricular hypertrophy did not occur in any of the six patients with hypercalcaemia alone. These relations suggest that parathyroid hormone rather than a rise in the extracellular calcium concentration is associated with a spectrum of left ventricular hypertrophy. All patients with increased circulating parathyroid hormone concentrations should have echocardiographic examination of the left ventricle. Conversely, parathyroid hormone concentrations should be measured in all patients with left ventricular hypertrophy from an unknown cause, especially those with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
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