GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMS AS A CLUE TO THE DIAGNOSIS OF PRIMARY HYPERPARATHYROIDISM: A REVIEW OF 45 CASES

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Abstract
Of 45 proven cases of primary hyperparathyroidism seen at the Presbyterian Hospital, New York, up to February 1955, 16 had gastrointestinal symptoms of clinical significance. Although less specific than the better known osseous and renal manifestations of hyperparathyroidism, it is felt the gastrointestinal symptoms may occasionally represent a clue to early diagnosis which is of prime importance in this potentially reversible disease. The gastrointestinal symptoms are thought to be due to hypercalcemia. Other conditions associated with hypercalcemia must thus be excluded before the diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism can be made. The overall symptoms and clinical findings, the significant biochemical data, and the pathology of the abnormal parathyroid glands as seen in these 45 cases are summarized and found to be comparable to previous reports.