[Primary hyperparathyroidism: From diagnosis to treatment].

Abstract

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is the leading cause of hypercalcemia. It is secondary to hypersecretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) by the parathyroid glands. Today, PHTP is asymptomatic in 80-90% of cases. Its repercussions are mainly renal (nephrolithiasis, nephrocalcinosis, decline in renal function) and skeletal (osteoporosis, fractures), and should be systematically investigated. Diagnosis is only biological, and in its classic form relies on the association of hypercalcemia, inappropriate PTH (normal or elevated) and hypercalciuria. Diagnosis of normocalcemic forms, where only PTH is elevated, requires elimination of secondary hyperparathyroidism and confirmation of elevated PTH on two consecutive samples, over a 3 to 6 months period. Imaging evaluation, which combines neck ultrasound with scintigraphy or ¹⁸F-choline PET/CT, is of interest only if surgery is indicated. Surgical management of the hyperfunctioning parathyroid gland(s) is the only curative treatment for HPTP. Medical management concerns patients for whom surgery is not indicated, who present a surgical contraindication or who refuse surgery. The diagnosis of HPTP warrants contact with an endocrinologist to ensure its management.