Endocrinology

Answer 2 Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry bone density measurement. Certain findings in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism influence the physician’s decision of whether or not to perform surgery. Aside from a symptomatic patient, especially one in hypercalcemic crisis, other indications for surgery include kidney stones, osteoporosis, renal impairment, and young age.1 To determine the first 3 of these factors, general biochemical tests and ultrasonography of the kidneys, as well as a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry bone density measurement, are usually performed. REFERENCE 1. Kearns AE, Thompson GB. Medical and surgical management of hyperparathyroidism [published erratum appears in Mayo Clin Proc 2002;77:298]. Mayo Clin Proc 2002;77:87-91. Click here to return to the questions

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