Primary Hypertrophy and Hyperplasia of the Parathyroid Glands Associated With Duodenal Ulcer

IN A PREVIOUS publication,1attention was called to the association of duodenal ulcer in 1 case with parathyroid adenoma and in a second case with primary hyperplasia of the parathyroid glands. In both cases the ingestion of large quantities of calcium and phosphorus in diets prescribed for the treatment of duodenal ulcer was associated with acute manifestations of hyperparathyroidism which terminated fatally. Since this report, a third case of probable hyperparathyroidism associated with duodenal ulcer has been observed. Primary hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the parathyroid glands were present in association with a well healed duodenal ulcer. In view of the diagnostic importance of gastrointestinal symptoms in hyperparathyroidism and because the coexistence of duodenal ulcer both obscures the diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism and complicates its treatment, this association deserves further emphasis. Furthermore, since primary hypertrophy of the parathyroid glands is uncommon, the finding of an additional case is noteworthy. REPORT OF