Intracranial metastatic parathyroid carcinoma: case report

Background: Although parathyroid carcinoma is not frequent, it is a slowly progressive disease characterized by frequent recurrences. A review of the literature revealed only 2 other cases of intracranial metastatic parathyroid carcinoma. We present here the case of cerebral metastases from parathyroid carcinoma that could be treated successfully. Case Description: This 61-year-old Japanese woman presented to our institute with a complaint of right lower-extremity weakness after hemiconvulsion. She had undergone a parathyroidectomy for parathyroid carcinoma 18 years earlier. Lung metastasis was also detected 6 years earlier, and she has been dialyzed twice a month after chemotherapy. Computed tomographic scans demonstrated 2 enhancing right frontal tumors. After resection of the intracranial metastases, her right hemiparesis and secondary hyperparathyroidism resolved. Conclusions: This case report supports aggressive surgical management to eliminate all parathyroid hormone-secreting malignant tissue and prevent metabolic complications. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.