Primary Hyperparathyroidism: A Symptomatically Mild Disease With Serious Complications

Most people with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) are asymptomatic; however, some individuals may present to the outpatient setting with multiple subtle, non-specific, and vague complaints. It has been estimated that as many as 75%-80% of patients with hyperparathyroidism were incidentally diagnosed through routine laboratory evaluation of calcium levels. This article provides an overview of PHPT and includes clinical presentation, pathophysiology, diagnosis, differential diagnoses, treatment options, and implications for clinical practice. A case study of a patient incidentally diagnosed with PHPT in the primary clinical setting has been incorporated to provide the context for this disease and its diagnosis.