ADULT-ONSET PRIMARY HYPOPARATHYROIDISM - CIRCUMSTANCES OF DIAGNOSIS AND FEATURES IN 3 CASES

Three cases of adult-onset primary hypoparathyroidism are reported. Di agnosis was established fortuitously in two patients with mild clinica l symptoms. The history in the remaining patient was suggestive of ons et in adolescence, with seizures, psychiatric disorders, and cataract surgery at the age of 32 years. In all three patients serum parathyroi d hormone levels were extremely low and other endocrine glands showed normal function. One patient had a parathyroid gland biopsy that showe d severe fatty infiltration. The circumstances of diagnosis of primary hypoparathyroidism in adults are reviewed. Evidence suggesting an aut oimmune origin to this exceedingly rare endocrinopathy is discussed.