Metastatic microcalcification in the lungs and stomach due to hyperparathyroidism: A case report

J Int Med Res. 2021 Feb;49(2):300060521994420. doi: 10.1177/0300060521994420.

Abstract

We present a case of a 34-year-old man who was admitted to our hospital with a six-month history of nausea and vomiting that had worsened over the past two weeks. Diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) due to a single parathyroid adenoma was confirmed by laboratory results and imaging but following pharmacological therapy the patient developed a dry cough. Single-photon emission tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) with technetium-99m-diphosphonate (99mTc-MDP) was used to assist in the diagnosis and results showed diffuse metastatic microcalcification in the lungs and stomach. The patient underwent right parathyroidectomy and 99mTc-MDP SPECT/CT scan six months later showed a significantly reduced radioactive distribution in the lungs and none in the stomach. Diffuse metastatic microcalcification in the lungs and stomach due to PHTP is rare and can easily be misdiagnosed.

Keywords: Metastatic microcalcification; hyperparathyroidism; lungs; parathyroid adenoma; stomach.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Calcinosis*
  • Humans
  • Lung
  • Male
  • Parathyroid Neoplasms* / complications
  • Parathyroid Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Parathyroid Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Stomach
  • Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi