Postoperative parathyroid hormone elevation after parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism

Postoperative elevation of parathyroid hormone (PTH) after parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism has been reported in some patients. It may occur just after surgery, being detected in the first postoperative test analysis, or it can appear later on, after a period of time with normal PTH. Several factors have been implicated in the isolated PTH elevation, such as vitamin D or magnesium deficiencies or even chronic renal failure, which represent cases of secondary hyperparathyroidism. However, the possibility of persistent or recurrent primary hyperparathyroidism (including normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism) must also be considered. The authors discuss etiological factors which may be associated with elevated PTH and their treatment, as well as cases of persistently elevated PTH despite correction of treatable risk factors. Normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism is also discussed. (C) 2012 Sociedade Portuguesa de Endocrinologia, Diabetes e Metabolismo. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.