A Case Report of Calcium-Sensing Receptor Gene Variant and Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Abstract

Introduction: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is an endocrinopathy that results from excessive production of parathyroid hormone from one or more overactive parathyroid gland(s). An estimated 90% of PHPT cases are sporadic, and 10% are inherited, comprising familial hyperparathyroidism (FHP). In FHP syndromes, variable clinical features are partly attributed to genetic heterogeneity. While there is not a consensus whether Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) is a distinct entity or a form of FHP, accurate diagnosis is critical in guiding proper decision-making. The utility of genetic testing is multi-fold: help inform most likely diagnosis, guide prognosis and management, and inform familial recurrence risk. We report a patient with early-onset hypercalcemia, post subtotal parathyroidectomy, notable family history, with a likely pathogenic variant in the calcium-sensing receptor gene, CASR. Case Presentation: A 42 yo, female with history of nephrolithiasis and hypercalcemia diagnosed in her 20’s with PHPT was referred to our endocrinology clinic. Preoperative work up showed calcium of 11.1mg/dL, albumin 4.2g/dL, PTH of 177pg/mL, creatinine 0.92mg/dL. Sestamibi showed persistent activity in the mid to inferior aspect of right thyroid lobe suspicious for parathyroid adenoma. She underwent 3 gland parathyroidectomy and pathology showed mildly hypercellular parathyroid in left superior & right superior gland, normocellular left inferior gland. PTH levels normalized post-surgery. PTH levels normalized post surgery. Genetic evaluation was done, given her early-onset hypercalcemia, multi-gland involvement, and notable family history (maternal grandfather with parathyroidectomy for hypercalcemia and mother reportedly undergoing a hyperparathyroidism workup). Invitae hyperparathyroidism genetic panel revealed a likely pathogenic variant in CASR (c.659G>A; p.R220Q). Discussion: To date, our case with PHPT is the second report of the likely pathogenic variant CASR (c.659G>A; p.R220Q), which affects a conserved extracellular domain residue, thought to be important in sensing extracellular calcium. This variant has been previously reported in another family with FHH with 5 affected relatives. The reported 29-year old proband also had recurrent pancreatitis, which resolved with subtotal parathyroidectomy, but remained hypercalcemic. Despite the marked phenotypic heterogeneity in our patient and the case with FHH in terms of clinical presentation and response to treatment with surgery; both shared a history of hyperparathyroidism and a family history of hypercalcemia, suggesting contributions from the same CASR gene variant. With limited existing data about the variable expressivity of variants in genes implicated in the pathogenesis of both FHH and FHP; our case adds value to the existing evidence that supports its possible genetic contribution to PHPT