Cerebral Calcifications as a Result of Primary Hyperparathyroidism: A Report of a Rare Case

Cureus. 2024 Apr 8;16(4):e57826. doi: 10.7759/cureus.57826. eCollection 2024 Apr.

Abstract

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is an extremely uncommon cause of cerebral calcification. A male patient, aged 45, was admitted to the neurosurgery clinic with a closed traumatic brain injury, namely a concussion, resulting in symptoms of headache and loss of balance. A CT scan was conducted, which detected bilateral calcifications on the basal ganglia and the tentorium. The blood tests revealed increased levels of serum calcium, phosphate, and parathyroid hormone (PTH), while vitamin D levels were within the normal range. The patient received symptomatic therapy for the cerebral concussion and was referred for further diagnostic procedures. Based on these exams, it was determined that the patient had a parathyroid adenoma, which was responsible for PHPT characterised by increased levels of calcium, phosphate, and PTH. The patient subsequently underwent a successful parathyroidectomy. Half a year following the surgical procedure, the patient remained free of any indications of neurological conditions, and the levels of PTH and calcium in their body were within the expected range. Whenever trying to identify the cause of cerebral calcification, it is important to explore several possible diagnoses. A possible cause that should be taken into account is PHTP.

Keywords: case report; cerebral calcifications; parathyroid adenoma; parathyroid hormone; primary hyperparathyroidism.

Publication types

  • Case Reports