Case Report

Published: Nov 03, 2025 | DOI: 10.24911/ejmcr.9-2277

The importance of laboratory analyses in unmasking parathyroid adenoma in a patient with breast cancer: a case report of persistent hypercalcaemia with low vitamin D status


Authors: Anna Zsófia Puskás , Enikő Nemes-Nagy orcid logo , Róbert Nemes-Nagy , Melinda Kolcsár


Article Info

Authors

Anna Zsófia Puskás

"George Emil Palade" University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș

Enikő Nemes-Nagy

"George Emil Palade" University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș

orcid logo ORCID

Róbert Nemes-Nagy

"George Emil Palade" University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș

Melinda Kolcsár

"George Emil Palade" University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș

Publication History

Received: July 06, 2025

Accepted: September 22, 2025

Published: November 03, 2025


Abstract


Background: Parathyroid adenoma is a frequent cause of hyperparathyroidism. Its association with D hypovitaminosis can complicate this pathological state, especially in case of delayed surgical intervention. 


Case presentation: This case report presents a 77-year-old female patient with a complex medical history including dyslipidemia, hypertension, who developed primary hyperparathyroidism due to a parathyroid adenoma. The persistent hypercalcemia, elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH), and parathyroid scintigraphy led to the diagnosis, but the low 25-hydroxyvitamin D level complicated the picture. Due to personal decisions and the COVID-19 pandemic, surgery was delayed for six years, resulting in complications such as vitamin D deficiency-induced immunosuppression and osteoporosis. Post-surgical outcomes were favorable, with normalization of biochemical markers and stabilization of comorbid conditions. 


Conclusion: This case highlights that timely multidisciplinary management is essential in primary hyperthyroidism, as surgical delay worsens complications, yet parathyroidectomy can still reverse outcomes even after years of progression. 


Keywords: case report, hypercalcemia, low vitamin D status, primary hyperparathyroidism