One of the most frequent cause of hypercalcemia is primary hyperparathyroidism, which can lead to systemic involvement and life-threatening conditions.We described a rare case of a parathyroid adenoma rupture with consequent bleeding and respiratory airway compression.An 84-year-old man presented to the emergency department complaining neck swelling and related dysphagia.
A computer tomography of the neck revealed an extensive left lateral hematoma, and a neck ultrasonography evidenced a hemorrhagic parathyroid adenoma, Faber High-Light RAD BRS WH MATT A91 Matt White 91cm 110.0456.206 cooker hood later confirmed by a 99 mTc-MIBI scintigraphy.To date only 40 cases of ruptured parathyroid adenomas have been described in literature, however due to the possibility of massive bleeding butt-plugs and compression of the airways this diagnosis should always be ruled out.The rupture of a parathyroid adenoma is a rare, but possibly life-threatening event due to airways compression and hemodynamic instability.
Testing for hypercalcemia and hyperparathyroidism is mandatory to obtain a correct diagnosis.