Work

Unmasking the hidden threat: a case and review of primary hyperparathyroidism-induced pancreatitis diagnosed in pregnancy

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Primary hyperparathyroidism is a very well-documented and understood endocrine pathology that includes the overproduction of parathyroid hormone, leading to an exaggerated effect of hypercalcemia. However, its prevalence leading to pancreatitis, specifically in pregnant patients, is underreported and widely undiagnosed. In this case, we present a case of a 23-year-old female in her second pregnancy who presented with pancreatitis after already being treated and diagnosed with pancreatitis in her first pregnancy. It was later discovered that this patient had a nodule believed to be a parathyroid adenoma. We believe this parathyroid adenoma alone could have gone unnoticed, but with concurrent changes and physiology of pregnancy, caused a significant burden of pancreatitis on our patient, not only in one pregnancy, but in both of her pregnancies. LEARNING POINTS: Hyperparathyroidism is rarely diagnosed in pregnancy and is widely unrecognized.This carries threats to mother and baby, which include pancreatitis.If a parathyroid adenoma is present, surgical removal in the second trimester is the preferred treatment.

Source: European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine

DOI: 10.12890/2025_005546

Authors: Nizar Alyassin, Ruba Habib, Michael Pelidis, Patrick Michael

Institution: St. Joseph’s University Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Parathyroid Disorders and Treatments

Subfield: Nephrology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $323