Recurrent acute pancreatitis as an initial presentation of primary hyperparathyroidism: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND With 4.9 to 35 instances per 100000 cases, hyperparathyroidism is one of the rarest causes of acute pancreatitis. The major cause of primary hyperparathyroidism is a parathyroid adenoma, which can manifest clinically in various ways. CASE SUMMARY We discuss the unusual case of a 13-year-old boy with recurrent pancreatitis as the initial presentation of primary hyperparathyroidism. The cause of his recurrent pancreatitis remained unknown, and the patient had multiple admissions with acute pancreatitis over 3 years. His diagnosis was delayed due to the initial normal levels of parathyroid hormone, which were later reported elevated in a subsequent episode where ultrasound neck and thyroid scintigraphy revealed a parathyroid adenoma as the underlying cause. After the diagnosis was made, he underwent surgical resection of the adenoma. CONCLUSION This case study stresses the importance of considering uncommon causes for recurrent pancreatitis.