Parathyroid crisis, also known as a parathyroid storm, is a rare and serious complication of
primary hyperparathyroidism. Four cases are reported here in which patients presented to hospital with general complaints due to
hypercalcemia secondary to
hyperparathyroidism. Blood test results upon admission showed high levels of serum
calcium and
parathyroid hormone, and medical treatment initiated to lower the
calcium level was ineffective. After relevant investigations, each patient underwent surgical exploration of the parathyroid glands, followed by excision of a pathological parathyroid
tumor. There was a prompt decrease in
parathyroid hormone level immediately after surgery. Histology reports revealed that patients had
parathyroid adenoma. All patients recovered after surgery, with serum
calcium levels restored back to normal and with resolution of all symptoms of
hypercalcemia. This report illustrates how often this disease is initially misdiagnosed, and how prompt appropriate surgical treatment provides the best outcome for the patient.