Endocrinol Metab.  2012 Jun;27(2):163-168. 10.3803/EnM.2012.27.2.163.

A Case of Parathyroid Apoplexy of Primary Hyperparathyroidism Presenting as Auditory Hallucinations Accompanied with Hypocalcemia

• Jeon EJ
• Jeong JY
• Kim JG

• KMID: 1497659
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2012.27.2.163

Abstract

The natural history of primary hyperparathyroidism, due to parathyroid adenoma, is unknown. Furthermore, spontaneous resolution of parathyroid necrosis or hemorrhage is rare and usually asymptomatic. Here, we report a case of parathyroid apoplexy of primary hyperparathyroidism, presenting as auditory hallucinations, accompanied with hypocalcemia. A 39-year-old man who was incidentally diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism, and waiting surgery for parathyroidectomy presented to psychiatric service with auditory hallucinations. He developed tetany, while taking psychiatric drugs. On a follow-up investigation, his serum calcium level fell from 11.8 to 5.8 mg/dL. His intact parathyroid hormone level also decreased from 1,017 pg/mL to 71.1 pg/mL. The parathyroid apoplexy was confirmed after a surgical removal of the infarcted adenoma. The auditory hallucinations disappeared, and serum calcium level was returned to within the normal range.

Keyword

Auditory hallucination; Hypocalcemia; Parathyroid apoplexy; Primary hyperparathyroidism

MeSH Terms

Adenoma
Adult
Calcium
Follow-Up Studies
Hallucinations
Hemorrhage
Humans
Hyperparathyroidism, Primary
Hypocalcemia
Natural History
Necrosis
Parathyroid Hormone
Parathyroid Neoplasms
Parathyroidectomy
Reference Values
Stroke
Tetany
Calcium
Parathyroid Hormone

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