Parathyroid Carcinoma Presenting as an Acute Pancreatitis

Abstract

Parathyroid carcinoma is the cause of only 1% of hyperparathyroidism cases. The incidence of acute pancreatitis in patients with hyperparathyroidism was reported to be only 1.5%. The occurrence of pancreatitis in patients with parathyroid carcinoma is unusual, ranging from 0% to 15%. Here, we report a very rare case of parathyroid carcinoma presenting as an acute pancreatitis in a 45 years old woman, who was suspected for hypercalcemia and higher levels of intact parathyroid hormone. The parathyroid carcinoma was verified with ultrasound, CT Scan, and single-photon emission computed tomography. The pathological anatomy report showed a minimally invasive parathyroid carcinoma. Following surgery, the patient was free after almost a 4 years follow up.