Giant parathyroid adenoma presenting with a pathological left clavicular fracture: An extremely rare case report

A Case of Parathyroid Adenoma with Bilateral Subtrochanteric Pathological Femur Fracture - A Rare Case Report

Introduction

Primary hyperparathyroidism is a commonly occurring endocrine disorder that is characterized by elevated calcium levels, decreased phosphate levels, and high levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH). The condition can lead to significant bone resorption and pathological fractures.

Case Report

We report a case of a 44-year-old female who presented with bilateral thigh pain after a trivial fall at home. Radiological investigations revealed a subtrochanteric fracture of the bilateral femur that was deemed pathological. Biochemical testing indicated severe hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia with elevated levels of serum PTH and an increased alkaline phosphatase level. Ultrasound and computed tomography scans confirmed a parathyroid adenoma, which was treated through excision and histopathological examination. The patient underwent orthopedic intervention for bilateral subtrochanteric femur fracture, and follow-up investigations showed normal biochemical markers and fracture union within 6 months.

Conclusion

Primary hyperparathyroidism should be kept in mind when dealing with bone lesions connected to hypercalcemia, even in asymptomatic individuals and individuals presenting with a trivial mode of trauma. The diagnosis of parathyroid adenoma requires a combination of radiological and biochemical investigations, and a multidisciplinary approach is recommended for the best possible outcome.

Parathyroid Adenoma with a Pathological Fracture: A Rare Case Report

Introduction

Primary hyperparathyroidism may mimic osteoporosis and lead to pathological fractures.

Case Report

We report a case of 35-year-old female who sustained left distal tibia-fibula fracture after a trivial fall, later diagnosed to have left inferior parathyroid adenoma. The fracture was managed conservatively and left inferior parathyroidectomy for the adenoma. At 4 years follow-up, there are no clinical or biochemical signs of recurrence.

Conclusion

Pathological fracture in a case of parathyroid adenoma is extremely rare and requires a multidisciplinary approach for optimal outcome. A combination of clinical, biological, radiological, and biochemical markers with a high index of suspicion in an isolated bone fracture is required to diagnose parathyroid adenoma.

Giant parathyroid tumours in primary hyperparathyroidism: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Giant parathyroid adenoma (GPA) can present with severe biochemical derangement similar to the clinical presentation of parathyroid carcinoma (PC). This study aims to present the current evidence on surgical management of GPAs in primary hyperparathyroidism.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature on GPAs was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Data on clinical, biochemical, preoperative diagnostic, and surgical methods were analysed.

RESULTS

Sixty-one eligible studies were included reporting on 65 GPAs in eutopic, ectopic mediastinal, and intrathyroidal locations (61.5%, 30.8%, and 7.7%, respectively). A palpable neck mass was present in 58% of GPAs. A total of 90% of patients had symptoms including fatigue, skeletal pain, pathological fracture, nausea, and abdominal pain. Ninety percent of patients had significant hypercalcaemia (mean 3.51 mmol/L; range: 2.59-5.74 mmol/L) and hyperparathyroidism with PTH levels on average 14 times above the upper limit of the normal reference. There was no correlation between the reported GPA size and PTH nor between GPA weight and PTH (p = 0.892 and p = 0.363, respectively). Twenty-four percent had a concurrent thyroidectomy for suspicious features, intrathyroidal location of GPA, or large goitre. Immunohistochemistry such as Ki-67, parafibromin, and galectin-3 was used in 18.5% of cases with equivocal histology. Ninety-five percent of GPAs were benign with 5% reported as atypical adenomas.

CONCLUSION

The reported data on GPAs are sparse and heterogeneous. In GPAs with suspicious features for malignancy, en bloc resection with concurrent thyroidectomy may be considered. In the presence of equivocal histological features, ancillary immunohistochemistry is advocated to differentiate GPAs from atypical adenomas and PCs.