Cystic Parathyroid Adenomas as a Risk Factor for Severe Hypercalcemia

Abstract

(1) Background: Parathyroid cystic adenomas (PCA) are rare entities representing only 0.5–1% of parathyroid adenomas, accounting for 1–2% of cases of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). The purpose of this study was to compare classical and functional/secreting cystic parathyroid lesions and identify risk factors for severe hypercalcemia; (2) Methods: A total of 17 patients with PHPT and parathyroid cysts (study group) were compared with the group of 100 patients with hyperparathyroidism caused by adenoma or hyperplasia (control group). In both groups the majority were women (88% vs. 12%, with gender ratio 7, 3:1). The patients were examined preoperatively and postoperatively: PTH, creatine, calcium and phosphate serum and urine concentrations and calcidiol serum levels were assessed; (3) Results: Patients with parathyroid cyst had statistically higher PTH and calcium serum concentration, higher calciuria and lower serum phosphate concentration. There were no statistically significant differences in the concentration of creatine in serum and urine and tubular reabsorption of phosphorus (TRP); (4) Conclusions: Due to higher PTH and calcium levels, cystic parathyroid adenomas could be one of the rare risk factors for severe hypercalcemia and hypercalcemic crisis which can be life threatening.

Keywords

• parathyroid cyst
• cystic parathyroid adenoma
• primary hyperparathyroidism
• severe hypercalcemia
• hypercalcemic crisis