Secondary hyperparathyroidism due to multiple parathyroid carcinomas in a patient with chronic hemodialysis: a case report

Abstract

range: range: 8.5–10.3 mg/dL). Ultrasonography showed hypoechoic nodules in the posterior part of both glands. All three nodules showed increased uptake on a 99m Tc sestamibi scan. The underwent total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation to the right forearm. Histopathology findings showed three PCs with capsular invasion and one parathyroid hyperplasia. In the immediate postoperative period, the iPTH level dropped from 1,446.8 to 82.4 pg/dL and, after 1 month, to 4.0 pg/dL. This patient needed oral calcium carbonate and active vitamin D to maintain appropriate serum calcium levels. Although multiple PCs are rare, they can cause secondary hyperparathyroidism. Therefore, clinicians should suspect multiple PCs when patients’ serum iPTH levels are exceptionally high. Additionally, since PCs could occur in multiple glands, autotransplantation of the parathyroid gland after parathyroidectomy should be done carefully.