Pathological fracture following minimal trauma as the initial presentation of parathyroid carcinoma–associated hyperparathyroidism in a young man: a case report - Report - MDSpire

Pathological fracture following minimal trauma as the initial presentation of parathyroid carcinoma–associated hyperparathyroidism in a young man: a case report

  • By

  • Miljanka Vuksanović

  • Bojan Kovačević

  • Jelena Kuzmanović

  • Vladimir Vasić

  • Ognjen Krčmar

  • Milica Marjanović Petković

  • May 8, 2026

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Clinical Report: Initial Presentation of Parathyroid Carcinoma-Related Hyperparathyroidism

Overview

This report details a case of parathyroid carcinoma in a 36-year-old male, presenting with a pathological fracture after minimal trauma. The case emphasizes the importance of recognizing endocrine causes of hypercalcemia in young patients.

Background

Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare endocrine malignancy that can lead to severe hyperparathyroidism and associated complications. Early diagnosis is crucial, as the condition often mimics benign parathyroid disorders, delaying appropriate treatment. Understanding its clinical presentation is vital for timely intervention and management.

Data Highlights

ParameterValueReference Range
Calcium4.0 mmol/L2.2–2.7 mmol/L
PTH2145 ng/L15–65 ng/L
Creatinine177 µmol/L62–106 µmol/L
Urea10.0 mmol/L2.5–8.3 mmol/L

Key Findings

  • Parathyroid carcinoma accounts for approximately 0.005% of all malignancies.
  • It represents 0.5–1% of cases of primary hyperparathyroidism.
  • Severe hypercalcemia and elevated PTH levels are indicative of primary hyperparathyroidism.
  • Pathological fractures can be an initial presentation of parathyroid carcinoma.
  • Preoperative diagnosis is often challenging due to similarities with benign parathyroid diseases.

Clinical Implications

Highlight the role of a multidisciplinary team in managing parathyroid carcinoma.

Conclusion

Reinforce the critical nature of timely diagnosis and its impact on patient outcomes.

References

  1. Analysis of 26 Cases of Brown Tumors Associated with Hyperparathyroidism, Springer, 2024 -- Analysis of 26 Cases of Brown Tumors Associated with Hyperparathyroidism
  2. From persistent hypercalcemia to parathyroid carcinoma: a case report of acute urinary retention and the diagnostic role of Ki-67, Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- From persistent hypercalcemia to parathyroid carcinoma
  3. Hyperparathyroidism Reveals Two Malignancies in 27-Year-Old Patient, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, 2023 -- Hyperparathyroidism Reveals Two Malignancies in 27-Year-Old Patient
  4. Bone in Parathyroid Diseases Revisited: Evidence From Epidemiological, Surgical and New Drug Outcomes, Endocrine Reviews, 2024 -- Bone in Parathyroid Diseases Revisited
  5. Parathyroid Carcinoma - StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf, 2023 -- Parathyroid Carcinoma - StatPearls
  6. [18F]Fluorocholine PET/MRI and [18F]Fluorocholine PET/CT as first- and second-line imaging in primary hyperparathyroidism, European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, 2025 -- [18F]Fluorocholine PET/MRI and [18F]Fluorocholine PET/CT
  7. Parathyroid Carcinoma - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
  8. [18F]Fluorocholine PET/MRI and [18F]Fluorocholine PET/CT as first- and second-line imaging in primary hyperparathyroidism – who takes the lead? | European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging | Springer Nature Link
  9. Treatment of Hypercalcemia of Malignancy in Adults: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline | The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism | Oxford Academic

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