Giant parathyroid adenoma causing severe hypercalcemia; a case report from Duhok

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Urology
• Nephrology

Background:

• Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) is a common urological condition.
• It can sometimes indicate more serious underlying pathologies.
• Primary hyperparathyroidism is a notable cause of renal stones.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the link between recurrent nephrolithiasis and primary hyperparathyroidism.
• To highlight the importance of assessing serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels in patients with kidney stones.
• To present a case study of a patient diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism due to parathyroid adenoma.

Main Methods:

• Review of patient medical history including symptoms like muscle pain, joint pain, and fatigue.
• Diagnostic workup involving serum calcium level assessment.
• Subsequent parathyroid hormone level testing if indicated.
• Surgical management for diagnosed parathyroid adenoma.

Main Results:

• A 48-year-old female with a history of renal stones was diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism.
• The condition was attributed to a parathyroid adenoma.
• Hypercalcemia, defined as serum calcium >2 standard deviations above reference, is associated with parathyroid mass.

Conclusions:

• Recurrent nephrolithiasis warrants thorough investigation for underlying causes.
• Primary hyperparathyroidism, often due to parathyroid adenoma, can manifest as recurrent kidney stones and vague symptoms.
• Serum calcium assessment is essential for diagnosing parathyroid adenoma in patients with recurrent renal stones.