Parathyroid adenoma in primary hyperparathyroidism in the elderly – Case report <b>[Abstract in English]</b>

Abstract

Introduction: Primary hyperparathyroidism is a common disorder of bone metabolism, involving calcium and phosphorus, caused by increased circulating levels of parathyroid hormone. Parathyroid adenoma is the principal cause, representing 80-85% of all cases.
Objective: Case report of an old woman with parathyroid adenoma, and review of the literature about current diagnosis and surgical treatment criteria.
Conclusion: The diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism should be considered in every patient with severe osteoporosis or in such cases that present with spontaneous fractures or as a result of minimal trauma (trauma equal to or less than a fall from a standing position). Surgical management by removal of the hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue is still the standard and usually effective therapy, but in older patients with no symptoms and lack of renal or osseous deterioration, medical surveillance may be justified without surgery.
KEY WORDS: PARATHYROID DISESAES; ADENOMA; HYPERPARATHYROIDISM/diagnosis; OSTEOPOROSIS; AGED; FEMALE.