What is the most common etiology of primary hypoparathyroidism?

What is the most common etiology of primary hypoparathyroidism?

• A. Autoimmune disease
• B. Iatrogenic damage or removal during thyroidectomy
• C. Genetic mutation
• D. Vitamin D deficiency

Answer: (B)

Iatrogenic loss or damage to the parathyroid glands during thyroid or neck surgery is the most common cause of primary hypoparathyroidism. The parathyroids are tiny and lie right next to the thyroid, so during thyroidectomy or other neck procedures they can be accidentally removed or their blood supply disrupted, leading to insufficient PTH production and hypocalcemia. Autoimmune or genetic causes exist but are far less common. Vitamin D deficiency causes hypocalcemia through a different mechanism (often with inappropriately high PTH, i.e., secondary hypoparathyroidism rather than primary).

Iatrogenic loss or damage to the parathyroid glands during thyroid or neck surgery is the most common cause of primary hypoparathyroidism. The parathyroids are tiny and lie right next to the thyroid, so during thyroidectomy or other neck procedures they can be accidentally removed or their blood supply disrupted, leading to insufficient PTH production and hypocalcemia. Autoimmune or genetic causes exist but are far less common. Vitamin D deficiency causes hypocalcemia through a different mechanism (often with inappropriately high PTH, i.e., secondary hypoparathyroidism rather than primary).