Incidental finding of papillary thyroid carcinoma with BRAFV600E mutation in a patient with coexistent primary hyperparathyroidism and Graves' hyperthyroidism

BMJ Case Rep. 2014 May 30:2014:bcr2013203436. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2013-203436.

Abstract

The simultaneous occurrence of hyperthyroidism and hyperparathyroidism was previously reported to be rare, but it was recognised more and more clearly by effective evaluations. Recent studies also mentioned the coexistence of parathyroid adenoma and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). The potential mechanism is still unknown. We report a case of a 46-year-old man coexisted with primary hyperparathyroidism, Graves' hyperthyroidism and occult PTC. The patient had a 6-month history of polyphagia and irritability. Blood examinations showed elevated serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels. Serum phosphate was lower. Thyroid function evaluation indicted Graves' hyperthyroidism. Ultrasound showed a solitary hyperchoic thyroid nodule in the right gland. Parathyroid radioisotope scanning found a mild enhancement of 99mTc absorption in the lower part of the right parathyroid gland. A surgical exploration was carried out and the parathyroid adenoma resection was performed. An occult micro-PTC with BRAF(V600E) mutation was also detected.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma / complications*
  • Carcinoma / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Papillary / complications*
  • Carcinoma, Papillary / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Papillary / genetics
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Graves Disease / complications*
  • Humans
  • Hyperparathyroidism, Primary / complications*
  • Incidental Findings
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mutation, Missense / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / genetics*
  • Thyroid Cancer, Papillary
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / complications*
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / genetics

Substances

  • BRAF protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf