Acute presentation of giant parathyroid adenoma extending to the mediastinum: A case report

Introduction and importance: Primary hyperparathyroidism is the most common cause of hypercalcemia in out-patients. Giant parathyroid adenomas are rare and can present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The clinical presentation is often insidious, and acute presentation is uncommon. Case presentation: Herein we report a case of primary hyperthyroidism secondary to giant parathyroid adenoma in a 54-year-old woman presenting with acute and severe hypercalcemia. Preoperative laboratory exams indi-cated elevated values of parathormone and serum calcium. CT scan and parathyroid scintigraphy showed a giant right inferior parathyroid adenoma measuring 6 cm in its largest diameter extending to the mediastinum. Despite its size and extension, the gland was successfully managed through a transcervical parathyroidectomy. The patient is actually asymptomatic and normocalcemic after a follow up of 3 years. Clinical discussion: Giant parathyroid adenomas can cause severe hypercalcemia. Imaging studies are crucial for preoperative localization. A classic transcervical approach can be used to remove giant adenomas, even when they extend into the anterior mediastinum. Despite their size, giant parathyroid adenomas have a good prognosis if they are removed surgically. Conclusions: Hypercalcemia associated with a giant, functional parathyroid adenoma can be life-threatening. It is management is urgent. It is both medical and surgitforward, and various morphologiccal including correction of hypercalcemia and parathyroidectomy.