Parathyroid Flashcards
where is the parathyroid gland located?
• Location: 4 glands behind upper and lower poles of thyroid
what are the cells of the parthyroid gland and what do they produce
• Cells: Chief (PTH) + Oxyphil (non-functional)
what is the function of parathyroid gland
maintenance of calcium and phosphate
what is the embryological oryin of parathyroid gland
o 3rd pouch→ inferior parathyroid g. (A→ thymus)
o 4th pouch → superior parathyroid g (A→ thyroid)
what causes DIGeorge syndrome
o Failure of 3rd and 4th pouch differentiation
what does cathc22 stand for
o CATHC22 – Cardiac defects, Abnormal facies (facial expression), Thymic aplasia, Cleft palate, Hypocalcaemia, deletion on chromosome 22
What stimulates release of PTH
↓ serum Ca
o Note: may be supressed by ↓Mg
what is the effect of PTH
o ↑ osteoclast activity to release ↑Ca2+ & ↓PO43– from bone
o ↑Ca2+ & ↓PO43– reabsorption in kidney DCT
o ↑ renal production of 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin d3
How is vit D produced
o First hydroxylation: liver → 25-hydroxy vitamin D
o Second hydroxylation: kidney → 1,25-hydroxy vitamin D (calcitriol)
what stimulates vit D production
low Ca and phosphate AND PTH
what is the effect of vit D
o ↑Ca2+ and ↑PO43– absorption from the gut;
o Inhibition of PTH release;
o Enhanced bone turnover;
o ↑Ca2+ and ↑PO43– reabsorption in the kidney.
what is the normal range of PTH
0.8-8.5pmol/L
what is the normal range of calcium
Normal range of calcium: 2.2 – 2.6mmol/L
what are the ranges for mild, moderate and sever hypercalcaemia
Mild hypercalcaemia = 2.7 – 2.9 mmol/L
Moderate hypercalcaemia = 3.0 – 3.4 mmol/L
Severe hypercalcaemia = greater than 3.4 mmol/L - medical emergency
what presentation is expected in someone with hyperparathyroidism
- Stones: Renal, Polyuria and polydipsia, Nephrocalcinosis
- Bones: Bone pain. Pathological fractures
- Moans: depression
- Groans: Abdo pain, n/v and constipation, Pancreatitis, PUD (↑gastrin secretion)
- Other:↑ BP (check Ca2+ in all with HTN)
Define hyperparathyroidism
Excessive secretion of PTH from parathyroid gland
what are the causes of primary hyperthyroidism and proportional distribution
- Single parathyroid gland adenoma: 75-85%
- Multi-gland adenoma/hyperplasia 14%
- Parathyroid carcinoma 1%
- Familial → MEN 1 and 2
what blood results can be expected in primary hyperthyroidism
↑Ca2+ + ↑/- PTH, ↑ALP, ↓PO4
what investigations other than blood may be useful in primary hyperparathyroidisem and what are the results expected to be
- X-ray: osteitis fibrosa cystica e.g. phalangeal erosions
- DEXA: osteoporosis
- Biopsy
what can be expected on a bone x-ray of someone with primary hyperparathyroidism
o Subperiosteal resorption of distal phalanges
o Tapering of distal clavicles
o Salt and pepper appearance of the skull
o Brown tumours of long bones
what are the possible differentials for p. hyperparathyroidism
- Drugs – thiazide, lithium
- Endocrine Disorders – thyrotoxicosis, Addison’s
- Autoimmune – sarcoidosis
- Tertiary hyperparathyroidism
- Malignancy – myeloma, lymphoma, squamous cell lung cancer
- Familial – MEN 1 or 2
how can patients with mild asymptomathic P hyoperparathyroid.
o Surveillance Check serum and calcium 6 monthly 3 site DEXA scan annually Monitor for signs o Avoid Dehydration and thiazide diuretics High calcium and Vitamin D intake