[Neuromuscular forms of hyperparathyroidism. Apropos of 2 cases]

The authors report two cases of hyperparathyroidism presenting mainly with muscular weakness. In the first case, a 74 year old woman had become completely bed-ridden and muscular recovery was obtained in 18 months. In the second case, a 24 year old sportsman had to stop all competition. Hypercalcaemia was suspected after finding radiological muscular calcification; the patient was able to start his sporting activities again two months after excision of the adenoma. After a review of the literature the authors discuss the principal physiopathogenic mechanisms; a direct action of parathormone is the probable cause but this has not been proved. Muscular forms of hyperparathyroidism are rare but this "pseudo-myopathic" presentation justifies the systematic exclusion of hyperparathyroidism in all cases of unexplained muscle weakness.