Hyperparathyroidism

Because of the variable and vague clinical symptoms of the disease, diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism may be missed or delayed.Presenting symptoms and findings may be localized to the urological system or to the skeletal framework, with indications of abnormal blood calcium levels.In any case in which the patient's only complaints are malaise, lassitude, or progressive weakness, and in which routine laboratory findings are inconclusive, the blood calcium level should be determined. While not in itself diagnostic, a high level of calcium in the blood will lead to further investigation such as skeletal x-ray studies and blood phosphorus and serum alkaline phosphatase determinations. Vigilance postoperatively to forestall tetany is of great importance.