Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Two Techniques to Create Hypoparathyroid Mice: Parathyroidectomy Using GFP Glands and Diphtheria-Toxin-Mediated Parathyroid Ablation
Published on: March 14, 2017
Hypocalciuria as a Key to Diagnosis: A Rare Case of GNA11-Related Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia (FHH) Type 2
Thushara Nayani1, Prasun Deb1, Sandeep Devireddy1
1Department of Endocrinology, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Hospital, Hyderabad, IND.
Abstract:
Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder of calcium homeostasis characterized by mild hypercalcemia, non-suppressed parathyroid hormone (PTH), and hypocalciuria. FHH type 2 (FHH2), caused by mutations in the GNA11 gene, is particularly rare. Differentiating FHH from primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is crucial to avoid unnecessary surgical intervention. We report a 63-year-old male with persistent hypercalcemia and inappropriately normal PTH levels. Biochemical evaluation revealed marked hypocalciuria with a fractional excretion of calcium of 0.0039. Imaging studies were negative for parathyroid adenoma. Whole-exome sequencing identified a heterozygous missense mutation in GNA11 (c.161C>T; p.Thr54Met), confirming FHH2. The patient was treated with cinacalcet 30 mg daily due to significant hypercalcemia calcium levels > 1 mg/dL above the upper limit. At three months, serum calcium decreased, and PTH normalized. This case underscores the importance of urinary calcium assessment and genetic testing in PTH-dependent hypercalcemia and highlights a potential therapeutic role for cinacalcet in selected FHH2 patients.
Related Concept Videos
Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis
Synthesis and Functions of Calcitonin
The exact mechanisms by which calcitonin operates in calcium homeostasis remain elusive, but its significance is evident in several vital...
Huntington Disease l: Introduction
Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations
Urinary Tract Calculi I: Introduction
