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Related Experiment Videos

The 'shrinking man' syndrome

D E Memmos, J B Eastwood, E Harris

    Nephron
    |January 1, 1982
    PubMed
    Summary

    Loss of height in three men was linked to hyperparathyroidism, despite normal plasma calcium levels. Vertebral wedging due to this condition, exacerbated by pre-existing osteopenia, is likely the cause.

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    Area of Science:

    • Nephrology
    • Endocrinology
    • Bone Histology

    Background:

    • Hyperparathyroidism is a condition characterized by excessive parathyroid hormone production.
    • Maintenance hemodialysis and advanced age are associated with increased risk of bone disease, including osteopenia.
    • Clinical presentation of hyperparathyroidism can vary, sometimes masking typical biochemical markers.

    Observation:

    • Three male patients presented with unexplained loss of height.
    • Quantitative bone histology confirmed features consistent with hyperparathyroidism in all patients.
    • Plasma calcium levels and hand radiographs were within normal limits for all individuals.

    Findings:

    • Despite normal plasma calcium and radiographic findings, bone histology indicated hyperparathyroidism.
    • Two patients were on long-term maintenance hemodialysis, and the third was elderly, suggesting pre-existing osteopenia.
    • Loss of height was attributed to vertebral wedging secondary to hyperparathyroidism in osteopenic vertebrae.

    Implications:

    • This case series suggests hyperparathyroidism can cause height loss through vertebral wedging, even with normal calcium levels.
    • The clinical manifestation of hyperparathyroidism may be unmasked by underlying osteopenia in specific patient groups.
    • Further investigation into bone histology is crucial for diagnosing hyperparathyroidism in patients with unexplained height loss and normal calcium.

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