HYPERPARATHYROIDISM Flashcards
What is Hyperparathyroidism ?
This is an overproduction of parathyroid hormone which stimulates the production of calcium.
Where is the Parathyroid hormone produced ?
Parathyroid gland located at the back of the thyroid.
What are the three ways the Parathyroid hormone increase calcium levels in the blood ?
1) Bone - Increases Osteoclastic action.
2) Kidneys - Prevents excretion of calcium in urine
3) Bowel - Activates vitamin D which absorbs calcium from food.
What are the three types of hyperparathyroidism ?
Primary, Secondary and tertiary.
What causes primary Hyperparathyroidism ?
A Tumour (Adenoma) which secretes high levels of parathyroid hormone which increases the release of calcium.
What causes secondary Hyperparathyroidism ?
This is low calcium levels from kidney disease or a vitamin D deficiency.
What causes tertiary hyperparathyroidism ?
This is the overstimulation of the Parathyroid gland. It increases in size then the negative feedback is lost.
Why do Brown’s tumours occur in hyperparathyroidism ?
These are areas of lucency due to Osteoclastic action signalled by the parathyroid hormone.
Why does small vessel calcification occur from hyperparathyroidism ?
This is from increased levels of calcium in the blood.
Give four radiographic features of hyperparathyroidism on a hand plain film ?
1) Brown’s tumour
2) small vessel calcifications.
3) Reabsorption of bone at the distal tufts and the radial aspect of middle phalanx’s (giving this concave appearance) - Called subpereosteal bone reabsorption.
4) Overall density change.
What is the rugger jersey appearance in relation to hyperparathyroidism ?
In the vertebral bodies. Osteoclastic action happens in the mid portion of the vertebral bodies. The end plates are usually spared. So may appear as striped.
What does hyperparathyroidism look like in the skull ?
Pepper pot appearance.
