Primary Hyperparathyroidism

This topic details primary hyperparathyroidism, an autonomous overproduction of PTH, most commonly by a solitary parathyroid adenoma. Zambian university students will learn the classic clinical manifestations often summarized as "stones, bones, abdominal groans, and psychic moans." This includes nephrolithiasis (renal stones), bone disease (osteitis fibrosa cystica, osteoporosis), gastrointestinal disturbances (constipation, nausea, peptic ulcers), and neuropsychiatric symptoms (depression, lethargy). Understanding this multi-system disorder is critical for diagnosing unexplained hypercalcemia and its complications. This knowledge is high-yield for pathology and internal medicine examinations and is essential for clinicians in Zambia to recognize and manage this condition, which can present subtly but with significant morbidity.