Primary hyperparathyroidism with metastatic pulmonary calcification: a case report and review of literature

Abstract

To highlight the characteristics of metastatic pulmonary calcification(MPC) of a patient with primary hyperparathyroidism. The clinical, radiological, pathological and (99)mTc-MDP bone scanning data of the patient with primary hyperparathyroidism were studied and relevant literature was reviewed. This 56 year-old female patient presented with cough and shortness of breath. The chest CT scan showed multiple, bilateral infiltrates and calcification in the left lung and ventricular wall. Transbronchial lung biopsy was performed, and the pathological study showed that there was diffuse calcification in the alveoli and alveolar septa.(99)mTc-MDP bone-scanning showed pulmonary uptake mostly. The patient showed significant clinical and radiological improvement after surgical removal of the parathyroid gland. Patients of primary hyperparathyroidism with respiratory symptoms were easily misdiagnosed as primary pulmonary diseases.(99)mTc-MDP bone-scanning can be used to help differentiate MPC from other diseases with similar clinical and radiological findings, thus allowing prompt therapy.