BROWN TUMORS SECONDARY TO PARATHYROID CARCINOMA MASQUERADING AS SKELETAL METASTASES ON 18F-FDG PET/CT -A CASE REPORT

Publication/Presentation Date

2019

Abstract

Objective:

Brown tumors develop as skeletal manifestations of hyperparathyroidism. Increased osteoclast activity leads to accumulation of highly active giant cells, and to excess cortical bone resorption, producing fibrous cysts. Though most often reported in patients with parathyroid adenomas, brown tumors secondary to parathyroid carcinoma create a clinical dilemma. Increased signal uptake on 18F-FDG PET/CT seen within brown tumors may be indistinguishable from bone metastases. We report a case of parathyroid carcinoma in a 38 year-old man presenting with osteolytic bone lesions on18F-FDG PET/CT that were diagnosed as brown tumors by biopsy.

Methods:

We describe patient history, presentation, diagnostic studies, and treatment.

Results:

We report a case of a 38 year-old man diagnosed with parathyroid carcinoma with associated hypercalcemia and elevated parathyroid hormone levels who has undergone 3 surgical resections for local recurrences and has persistent hypercalcemia. He was found to have multiple osteolytic lesions throughout his skeleton on18F-FDG PET/CT imaging 2 months after diagnosis. Biopsy of a right scapula lesion confirmed a brown tumor.

Conclusion:

The role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in management of parathyroid carcinoma has not been systematically evaluated. Skeletal manifestations of parathyroid carcinoma may be present in this imaging modality. Clinicians should consider the possibility of brown tumors in patients with parathyroid carcinoma who undergo 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging.

Volume

5

Issue

4

First Page

e230

Last Page

e232

ISSN

2376-0605

Comments

Case Reports

Disciplines

Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism | Internal Medicine

Department(s)

Department of Medicine, Department of Medicine Faculty

Document Type

Article

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