hyperparathyroidism

Question 1

definition

Answer 1

overactivity of the parathyroid gland resulting in abnormally high levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH)

Question 2

primary hyperparathyroidism

Answer 2

caused by a benign adenoma, hyperplasia or rarely a malignant neoplasm

Question 3

secondary hyperparathyroidism

Answer 3

physiological overproduction of parathyroid hormone secondary to hypocalcaemia usually caused by vitamin D deficiency or chronic kidney disease

Question 4

tertiary hyperparathyroidism

Answer 4

seen in patients with chronic secondary hyperparathyroidism (usually those with chronic kidney disease) who develop an adenoma which will continue to produce PTH despite biochemical correction

Question 5

overproduction of PTH causes

Answer 5

hypercalcaemia

Question 6

hypercalcaemia symtoms

Answer 6

fatigue, depression, bone pain, myalgia, nausea, excessive thirst, polyuria, renal stones and osteoporosis

Question 7

what bone problems can hyperprarthyroidism cause

Answer 7

fragility fractures and lytic bone lesions called brown tumours

Question 8

treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism

Answer 8

remove adenomatous gland

Question 9

treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism

Answer 9

vitamin D supplementation

Question 10

very high serum calcium levels

Answer 10

can cause cardiac arrest and is a medical emergency

Question 11

treatment of critically high serum calcium levels

Answer 11

IV fluid, biphosphonates, calcitonin