Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 20, 2025

A Novel Rescue Technique for Difficult Intubation and Difficult Ventilation
Published on: January 17, 2011
A rare case of parathyroid crisis with respiratory failure successfully treated using extracorporeal membrane
Shunkichi Ikegaki1, Takehiro Otoshi1, Tomoyuki Hirai1
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hyogo Prefectural Amagasaki General Medical Center, 2-17-77 Higashinaniwa-cho, Amagasaki, Hyogo, 660-8550, Japan.
Abstract:
Parathyroid crisis, which might occur during the natural history of primary hyperparathyroidism, presents fatal hypercalcemia. Although hyperparathyroidism is known to cause metastatic pulmonary calcification, parathyroid crisis with respiratory failure is rarely reported. Here, we present a case of parathyroid crisis with respiratory failure due to parathyroid adenoma. For the first 2 weeks after admission to our hospital, the patient was treated with hydration, calcium-lowering agents, dialysis and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, with gradual improvement in her respiratory condition as blood calcium levels decreased. However, she still needed oxygen even after that. Therefore, parathyroidectomy was performed on day 48, and she no longer needed oxygen after the surgery. Chest computed tomography scan also demonstrated improvement in pulmonary calcification, although it did not completely disappear even 4 months after parathyroidectomy. Parathyroid crisis is an endocrine emergency, and its possibility should be considered in patients with respiratory failure with hypercalcemia.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Respiratory Failure-III
Acute Respiratory Failure-V
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...
Acute Respiratory Failure-IV
Acute Respiratory Failure-I
Definition: It is defined by specific criteria based on blood gas measurements. Hypoxemia happens when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) falls below 60 mmHg. At the same time,...
Acute Respiratory Failure-II
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Oxygen Therapy for Respiratory Failure
Oxygen therapy is vital in increasing and maintaining blood oxygen levels in PAH patients. As a result, it aids in reducing fatigue,...

