Hungry bone syndrome

Case report and therapeutic approaches following parathyroidectomy

Abstract

A rare case of parathyroid adenoma associated with primary hyperparathyroidism and marked hungry bone syndrome was identified in a 19-year-old male presenting with a brown tumor. Both the serum calcium and the serum parathyroid hormone levels were elevated and a radiological examination demonstrated a lower right cervical mass, consistent with a parathyroid tumor. The removal of the tumor resulted in severe hungry bone syndrome, which required the administration of large amount of calcium and vitamin D for prolonged periods. This phenomenon is due to an increased bone metabolism, and it is an uncommon finding following a parathyroidectomy. Both an early diagnosis and timely treatment can reduce the morbidity.