Authors:

Abstract

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is an uncommon cause of pancreatitis. Both acute and chronic pancreatitis has been reported in association with primary hyperparathyroidism. However the cause and effect relationship between the two still evokes controversy. We report a case of a 53 year old woman who presented with recurrent episodes of pancreatitis. Serum calcium during one of the attack was normal but repeat calcium estimation showed raised serum calcium. Eventually, the finding of an elevated intact PTH level led to preoperative localization of a parathyroid adenoma. A solitary parathyroid adenoma was found during the open neck exploration. Post-surgery, serum calcium returned to normal and there was no recurrence of the abdominal symptoms. Our paper also reviews the literature on pancreatitis and PHPT and supports our belief that pancreatitis is one of the symptoms of PHPT and it would be prudent to check serum calcium in all patients presenting with unexplained pancreatic disease.

Sri Lanka Journal of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism 2013; 3: 29-34

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sjdem.v3i1.5501

Keywords: primary hyperparathyroidism,  pancreatitis,  parathyroid adenoma