Skip to main content

Subtle Variants of Hyperparathyroidism: Normocalcemic Hyperparathyroidism

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Innovations in Modern Endocrine Surgery

Abstract

Normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism (NCHPT) was recognized as a distinct variant of primary hyperparathyroidism during the Third International Workshop on Asymptomatic Hyperparathyroidism. Normal, albumin-corrected, serum, or ionized calcium levels paired with inappropriately elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels are required to make the diagnosis after secondary causes of hyperparathyroidism are ruled out. The decision to intervene in these patients is often challenging. In asymptomatic patients, close monitoring with annual clinical assessment and biochemical testing is reasonable. When surgery is pursued, a focused parathyroidectomy with the use of intraoperative PTH monitoring can be considered. Critically, a low threshold to convert to a four-gland exploration if strict PTH criteria are not achieved is required.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 159.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Khan A, Hanley D, Rizzoli R, Bollerslev J, Young J, Rejnmark L, et al. Primary hyperparathyroidism: review and recommendations on evaluation, diagnosis, and management. A Canadian and international consensus. Osteoporos Int. 2017;28(1):1–19.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Adami S, Marcocci C, Gatti D. Epidemiology of primary hyperparathyroidism in Europe. J Bone Miner Res Off J Am Soc Bone Miner Res. 2002;17:N18–23.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Bilezikian JP, Brandi ML, Eastell R, Silverberg SJ, Udelsman R, Marcocci C, et al. Guidelines for the management of asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism: summary statement from the Fourth International Workshop. J Clin Endocrinol Metabol. 2014;99(10):3561–9.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Wills MR, Pak CY, Hammond WG, Bartter FC. Normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism. Am J Med. 1969;47(3):384–91.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Mather HG. Hyperparathyroidism with normal serum calcium. Br Med J. 1953;2(4833):424.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  6. Siperstein AE, Shen W, Chan AK, Duh Q-Y, Clark OH. Normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism: biochemical and symptom profiles before and after surgery. Arch Surg. 1992;127(10):1157–63.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Silverberg SJ, Bilezikian JP. “Incipient” primary hyperparathyroidism: a “forme fruste” of an old disease. J Clin Endocrinol Metabol. 2003;88(11):5348–52.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Lowe H, McMahon D, Rubin M, Bilezikian J, Silverberg S. Normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism: further characterization of a new clinical phenotype. J Clin Endocrinol Metabol. 2007;92(8):3001–5.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Bilezikian JP, Khan AA, Potts JT Jr. Hyperthyroidism TIWotMoAP. Guidelines for the management of asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism: summary statement from the third international workshop. J Clin Endocrinol Metabol. 2009;94(2):335–9.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Rao DS, Wilson R, Kleerekoper M, Parfitt A. Lack of biochemical progression or continuation of accelerated bone loss in mild asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism: evidence for biphasic disease course. J Clin Endocrinol Metabol. 1988;67(6):1294–8.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Farquharson RF, Salter WT, Tibbetts DM, Aub JC. Studies of calcium and phosphorus metabolism: XII. The effect of the ingestion of acid-producing substances. J Clin Invest. 1931;10(2):221–49.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  12. Maruani G, Hertig A, Paillard M, Houillier P. Normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism: evidence for a generalized target-tissue resistance to parathyroid hormone. J Clin Endocrinol Metabol. 2003;88(10):4641–8.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Eastell R, Brandi ML, Costa AG, D’Amour P, Shoback DM, Thakker RV. Diagnosis of asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism: proceedings of the Fourth International Workshop. J Clin Endocrinol Metabol. 2014;99(10):3570–9.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2015–2020 dietary guidelines for Americans. 8th Edition. Dec 2015. Available at https://health.gov/our-work/food-and-nutrition/2015-2020-dietary-guidelines/.

  15. Ross AC TC, Yaktine AL, et al., editors. Institute of Medicine (US) Committee to Review Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin D and Calcium; Dietary reference intakes for calcium and vitamin D. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US). Dietary reference intakes for adequacy: calcium and vitamin D. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK56056/. 5. 2011.

  16. Cusano NE, Silverberg SJ, Bilezikian JP. Normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism. J Clin Densitom. 2013;16(1):33–9.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  17. Eller-Vainicher C, Cairoli E, Zhukouskaya VV, Morelli V, Palmieri S, Scillitani A, et al. Prevalence of subclinical contributors to low bone mineral density and/or fragility fracture. Eur J Endocrinol. 2013;169(2):225–37.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Martinez I, Saracho R, Montenegro J, Llach F. The importance of dietary calcium and phosphorous in the secondary hyperparathyroidism of patients with early renal failure. Am J Kidney Dis. 1997;29(4):496–502.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Group KDIGOC-MW. KDIGO clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis, evaluation, prevention, and treatment of chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD). Kidney Int Suppl. 2009;113:S1.

    Google Scholar 

  20. Coe FL, Canterbury JM, Firpo JJ, Reiss E. Evidence for secondary hyperparathyroidism in idiopathic hypercalciuria. J Clin Invest. 1973;52(1):134–42.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  21. Broadus AE, DOMINGUEZ M, BARTTER FC. Pathophysiological studies in idiopathic hypercalciuria: use of an oral calcium tolerance test to characterize distinctive hypercalciuric subgroups. J Clin Endocrinol Metabol. 1978;47(4):751–60.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Palmieri S, Eller-Vainicher C, Cairoli E, Morelli V, Zhukouskaya VV, Verga U, et al. Hypercalciuria may persist after successful parathyroid surgery and it is associated with parathyroid hyperplasia. J Clin Endocrinol Metabol. 2015;100(7):2734–42.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Worcester EM, Coe FL. New insights into the pathogenesis of idiopathic hypercalciuria. InSeminars in nephrology 2008;28(2):120–132. WB Saunders.

    Google Scholar 

  24. Pierreux J, Bravenboer B, Velkeniers B, Unuane D, Andreescu CE, Vanhoeij M. Normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism: a comparison with the hypercalcemic form in a tertiary referral population. Horm Metab Res. 2018;50(11):797–802.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Rejnmark L, Vestergaard P, Heickendorff L, Andreasen F, Mosekilde L. Effects of long-term treatment with loop diuretics on bone mineral density, calcitropic hormones and bone turnover. J Intern Med. 2005;257(2):176–84.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Haden ST, Stoll AL, McCormick S, Scott J, El-Hajj FG. Alterations in parathyroid dynamics in lithium-treated subjects. J Clin Endocrinol Metabol. 1997;82(9):2844–8.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Chesnut CH 3rd, McClung MR, Ensrud KE, Bell NH, Genant HK, Harris ST, et al. Alendronate treatment of the postmenopausal osteoporotic woman: effect of multiple dosages on bone mass and bone remodeling. Am J Med. 1995;99:144–52.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Cusano NE, Cipriani C, Bilezikian JP. Management of normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018;32(6):837–45.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Wei JH, Lee WJ, Chong K, Lee YC, Chen SC, Huang PH, et al. High incidence of secondary hyperparathyroidism in bariatric patients: comparing different procedures. Obes Surg. 2018;28(3):798–804.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Rosário PW, Calsolari MR. Normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism in adults without a history of nephrolithiasis or fractures: a prospective study. Horm Metab Res. 2019;51(04):243–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Cusano NE, Maalouf NM, Wang PY, Zhang C, Cremers SC, Haney EM, et al. Normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism and hypoparathyroidism in two community-based nonreferral populations. J Clin Endocrinol Metabol. 2013;98(7):2734–41.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Bilezikian JP, Silverberg SJ. Normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metabol. 2010;54(2):106–9.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  33. Ozturk FY, Erol S, Canat MM, Karatas S, Kuzu I, Cakir SD, et al. Patients with normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism may have similar metabolic profile as hypercalcemic patients. Endocr J. 2015;62:EJ15–0392.

    Google Scholar 

  34. Mosekilde L. Primary hyperparathyroidism and the skeleton. Clin Endocrinol. 2008;69(1):1–19.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Tordjman KM, Greenman Y, Osher E, Shenkerman G, Stern N. Characterization of normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism. Am J Med. 2004;117(11):861–3.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Wade TJ, Yen TW, Amin AL, Wang TS. Surgical management of normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism. World J Surg. 2012;36(4):761–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. García-Martín A, Reyes-García R, Muñoz-Torres M. Normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism: one-year follow-up in one hundred postmenopausal women. Endocrine. 2012;42(3):764–6.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Díaz-Soto G, Romero E, Castrillon J, Jauregui O, de Luis Román D. Clinical expression of calcium sensing receptor polymorphism (A986S) in normocalcemic and asymptomatic hyperparathyroidism. Horm Metab Res. 2016;48(03):163–8.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Brardi S, Cevenini G, Verdacchi T, Romano G, Ponchietti R. Use of cinacalcet in nephrolithiasis associated with normocalcemic or hypercalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism: results of a prospective randomized pilot study. Archivio Italiano di Urologia e Andrologia. 2015;87(1):66–71.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Rubin MR, Maurer MS, McMahon DJ, Bilezikian JP, Silverberg SJ. Arterial stiffness in mild primary hyperparathyroidism. J Clin Endocrinol Metabol. 2005;90(6):3326–30.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Tordjman KM, Yaron M, Izkhakov E, Osher E, Shenkerman G, Marcus-Perlman Y, et al. Cardiovascular risk factors and arterial rigidity are similar in asymptomatic normocalcemic and hypercalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism. Eur J Endocrinol. 2010;162(5):925.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Chen G, Xue Y, Zhang Q, Xue T, Yao J, Huang H, et al. Is normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism harmful or harmless? J Clin Endocrinol Metabol. 2015;100(6):2420–4.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Tuna MM, Çalışkan M, Ünal M, Demirci T, Doğan BA, Küçükler K, et al. Normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism is associated with complications similar to those of hypercalcemic hyperparathyroidism. J Bone Miner Metab. 2016;34(3):331–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Hagstrom E, Lundgren E, Rastad J, Hellman P. Metabolic abnormalities in patients with normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism detected at a population-based screening. Eur J Endocrinol. 2006;155(1):33–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Pasieka JL, Parsons LL, Demeure MJ, Wilson S, Malycha P, Jones J, et al. Patient-based surgical outcome tool demonstrating alleviation of symptoms following parathyroidectomy in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. World J Surg. 2002;26(8):942–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Bargren AE, Repplinger D, Chen H, Sippel RS. Can biochemical abnormalities predict symptomatology in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism? J Am Coll Surg. 2011;213(3):410–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Murray SE, Pathak PR, Pontes DS, Schneider DF, Schaefer SC, Chen H, et al. Timing of symptom improvement after parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism. Surgery. 2013;154(6):1463–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Ospina NS, Maraka S, Rodriguez-Gutierrez R, de Ycaza AE, Jasim S, Gionfriddo M, et al. Comparative efficacy of parathyroidectomy and active surveillance in patients with mild primary hyperparathyroidism: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Osteoporos Int. 2016;27(12):3395–407.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  49. Ambrogini E, Cetani F, Cianferotti L, Vignali E, Banti C, Viccica G, et al. Surgery or surveillance for mild asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism: a prospective, randomized clinical trial. J Clin Endocrinol Metabol. 2007;92(8):3114–21.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. McDow AD, Sippel RS. Should symptoms be considered an indication for parathyroidectomy in primary hyperparathyroidism? Clin Med Insights Endocrinol Diabetes. 2018;11:1179551418785135.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  51. Bannani S, Christou N, Guerin C, Hamy A, Sebag F, Mathonnet M, et al. Effect of parathyroidectomy on quality of life and non-specific symptoms in normocalcaemic primary hyperparathyroidism. Br J Surg. 2018;105(3):223–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Šiprová H, Fryšák Z, Souček M. Primary hyperparathyroidism, with a focus on management of the normocalcemic form: to treat or not to treat? Endocr Pract. 2016;22(3):294–301.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Cesareo R, Di Stasio E, Vescini F, Campagna G, Cianni R, Pasqualini V, et al. Effects of alendronate and vitamin D in patients with normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism. Osteoporos Int. 2015;26(4):1295–302.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Haber RS, Kim CK, Inabnet WB. Ultrasonography for preoperative localization of enlarged parathyroid glands in primary hyperparathyroidism: comparison with 99mtechnetium sestamibi scintigraphy. Clin Endocrinol. 2002;57(2):241–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  55. Lavely WC, Goetze S, Friedman KP, Leal JP, Zhang Z, Garret-Mayer E, et al. Comparison of SPECT/CT, SPECT, and planar imaging with single-and dual-phase 99mTc-sestamibi parathyroid scintigraphy. J Nucl Med. 2007;48(7):1084–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Rodgers SE, Hunter GJ, Hamberg LM, Schellingerhout D, Doherty DB, Ayers GD, et al. Improved preoperative planning for directed parathyroidectomy with 4-dimensional computed tomography. Surgery. 2006;140(6):932–41.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Starker LF, Mahajan A, Björklund P, Sze G, Udelsman R, Carling T. 4D parathyroid CT as the initial localization study for patients with de novo primary hyperparathyroidism. Ann Surg Oncol. 2011;18(6):1723–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Cunha-Bezerra P, Vieira R, Amaral F, Cartaxo H, Lima T, Montarroyos U, et al. Better performance of four-dimension computed tomography as a localization procedure in normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism. J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol. 2018;62(4):493–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  59. Noureldine SI, Aygun N, Walden MJ, Hassoon A, Gujar SK, Tufano RP. Multiphase computed tomography for localization of parathyroid disease in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism: how many phases do we really need? Surgery. 2014;156(6):1300–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Gawande AA, Monchik JM, Abbruzzese TA, Iannuccilli JD, Ibrahim SI, Moore FD. Reassessment of parathyroid hormone monitoring during parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism after 2 preoperative localization studies. Arch Surg. 2006;141(4):381–4.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Traini E, Bellantone R, Tempera SE, Russo S, De Crea C, Lombardi CP, et al. Is parathyroidectomy safe and effective in patients with normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism? Langenbeck’s Arch Surg. 2018;403(3):317–23.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  62. Trinh G, Rettig E, Noureldine SI, Russell JO, Agrawal N, Mathur A, et al. Surgical management of normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism and the impact of intraoperative parathyroid hormone testing on outcome. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2018;159(4):630–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Sho S, Kuo EJ, Chen AC, Li N, Yeh MW, Livhits MJ. Biochemical and skeletal outcomes of parathyroidectomy for normocalcemic (incipient) primary hyperparathyroidism. Ann Surg Oncol. 2019;26(2):539–46.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Kiriakopoulos A, Petralias A, Linos D. Classic primary hyperparathyroidism versus normocalcemic and normohormonal variants: do they really differ? World J Surg. 2018;42(4):992–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  65. Siperstein A, Berber E, Barbosa GF, Tsinberg M, Greene AB, Mitchell J, et al. Predicting the success of limited exploration for primary hyperparathyroidism using ultrasound, sestamibi, and intraoperative parathyroid hormone: analysis of 1158 cases. Ann Surg. 2008;248(3):420–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Udelsman R, Lin Z, Donovan P. The superiority of minimally invasive parathyroidectomy based on 1650 consecutive patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Ann Surg. 2011;253(3):585–91.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Schneider DF, Mazeh H, Sippel RS, Chen H. Is minimally invasive parathyroidectomy associated with greater recurrence compared to bilateral exploration? Analysis of more than 1,000 cases. Surgery. 2012;152(6):1008–15.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Lavryk OA, Siperstein AE. Pattern of calcium and parathyroid hormone normalization at 12-months follow-up after parathyroid operation. Surgery. 2017;161(4):1139–48.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Pandian T, Lubitz CC, Bird SH, Kuo LE, Stephen AE. Normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism: a collaborative endocrine surgery quality improvement program analysis. Surgery. 2020;167(1):168–72.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Koumakis E, Souberbielle J-C, Sarfati E, Meunier M, Maury E, Gallimard E, et al. Bone mineral density evolution after successful parathyroidectomy in patients with normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism. J Clin Endocrinol Metabol. 2013;98(8):3213–20.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  71. Wilhelm SM, Wang TS, Ruan DT, Lee JA, Asa SL, Duh Q-Y, et al. The American Association of Endocrine Surgeons guidelines for definitive management of primary hyperparathyroidism. JAMA Surg. 2016;151(10):959–68.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ralph P. Tufano .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2021 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Ranganath, R., Moseley, K.F., Tufano, R.P. (2021). Subtle Variants of Hyperparathyroidism: Normocalcemic Hyperparathyroidism. In: Singer, M.C., Terris, D.J. (eds) Innovations in Modern Endocrine Surgery. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-73951-5_9

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-73951-5_9

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-73950-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-73951-5

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics