A case of primary hyperparathyroidism with low serum alkaline phosphatase levels

A 23-year-old man with primary hyperparathyroidism which was typical except for reduced alkaline phosphatase activity is reported. Histological examination of surgical specimens revealed chief cell hyperplasia of the parathyroid glands. Systemic abnormalities of alkaline phosphatase were demonstrated, i.e., marked reduction of all isoenzymes and undetectable osseous enzyme in the serum, abnormal distribution of the enzyme in hepatocytes and diminished enzyme activities in leukocytes. In addition, diminished bone remodeling activity was revealed in a biopsy specimen of the rib. The association of hypophosphatasia is highly unlikely, because of normal urinary excretion of phosphoethanolamine, lack of osteomalacia, and no indication of an hereditary factor. The causal relationship between low remodeling activity and abnormalities in alkaline phosphatase was suggested.