Recurrent acute pancreatitis as the first and sole presentation of undiagnosed primary hyperparathyroidism |
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Authors: | Sophocles Lanitis Sivahamy Sivakumar Nabeela Zaman Olwen Westerland Ragheed Al Mufti Dimitri J Hadjiminas |
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Affiliation: | 1.General Surgery Department St Mary’s Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK;2.Department of Biosurgery and Surgical Technology, Imperial College London, London, UK |
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Abstract: | IntroductionWe highlight the pitfalls in delaying the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) in patients with acute pancreatitis as the sole clinical presentation. Primary hyperparathyroidism is a recognised, but rare, cause of acute pancreatitis. Hypercalcaemia caused by undiagnosed pHPT may be the only causative factor of recurrent acute pancreatitis.Patients and methodsThree patients with multiple admissions for acute pancreatitis were diagnosed having pHPT during the work-up to identify possible causative factors. None of the patients had any other common predisposing factor for acute pancreatitis as revealed by clinical examination, blood tests and imaging. In retrospect, all had abnormally elevated calcium during previous admissions which was not further assessed.ResultsAfter diagnosis of pPTH, patients underwent bilateral neck exploration and parathyroidectomy. Histology confirmed parathyroid adenomas. The blood calcium level returned to normal and the patients remain well and asymptomatic after operation.ConclusionsThe role of pHPT as a causative factor is underestimated when managing patients with acute pancreatitis, and frequently the underlying disease remains undiagnosed for a long time. Proper early diagnosis and management prevent unnecessary morbidity. |
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Keywords: | Primary hyperparathyroidism Acute pancreatitis Hypercalcaemia |
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