Double Parathyroid Adenoma - a Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Double adenoma (DA) of the parathyroid is a rare cause of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), described for the first time by Mandl in 1947. PHPT is a common cause of disorders of bone metabolism, involving increased serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, caused by adenoma, hyperplasia, and more rarely by parathyroid carcinoma. DA incidence as reported in several studies varies from 3% to 15% among cases of PHPT. The objective of this study was to report a case of double adenoma of the parathyroid, accompanied by a literature review. The authors describe the different aspects of diagnosis and treatment of this disease. A diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism should be considered in all patients with palpable cervical nodule, hypercalcemia, and elevated intact PTH (>72 pg/ml). Treatment of patients with suspected DA involves removal of the pathologically enlarged glands by cervicotomy.