Myopathy in Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Abstract

In contrast to the frequent occurrence of subjective muscle weakness and fatigue, objective muscle weakness and atrophy simulating poly-myopathy have infrequently been reported in hyperparathyroidism, but may be one of the early and dominat features of this endocrine abnormality. In 3 such cases reported, 2 patients had electromyograms suggestive of a myopathy and one had increased creatinuria which was normal after corrective parathyroid surgery. In one of the patients a muscle biopsy in the preoperative period demonstrated evidence of myositis. Surgical correction of uncomplicated hyperparathyroidism produced prompt improvement in the muscle syndrome due to hyperparathyroidism.