Which renal finding is associated with primary hyperparathyroidism?

Which renal finding is associated with primary hyperparathyroidism?

• A. Kidney stones
• B. Nephrocalcinosis
• C. Nephrolithiasis
• D. Hydronephrosis

Answer: (B)

Elevated calcium from primary hyperparathyroidism leads to high urinary calcium as well. This can precipitate calcium salts not only as discrete stones in the urinary tract, but more characteristically as calcium deposits within the kidney tissue itself. That deposition in the renal parenchyma, especially in the medulla and papillae, is nephrocalcinosis. It reflects chronic hypercalciuria from excess PTH and is a recognizable renal consequence of the condition. Hydronephrosis would imply obstruction, which isn’t a direct consequence of hyperparathyroidism, and while kidney stones can occur, the finding that specifically denotes calcium deposition within the kidney tissue is nephrocalcinosis.

Elevated calcium from primary hyperparathyroidism leads to high urinary calcium as well. This can precipitate calcium salts not only as discrete stones in the urinary tract, but more characteristically as calcium deposits within the kidney tissue itself. That deposition in the renal parenchyma, especially in the medulla and papillae, is nephrocalcinosis. It reflects chronic hypercalciuria from excess PTH and is a recognizable renal consequence of the condition. Hydronephrosis would imply obstruction, which isn’t a direct consequence of hyperparathyroidism, and while kidney stones can occur, the finding that specifically denotes calcium deposition within the kidney tissue is nephrocalcinosis.