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Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ajay Gade MD[2]]

Synonyms and keywords: FHH, Familial benign hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, Hypercalcemia

Overview

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ajay Gade MD[2]]

Overview

Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) is an autosomal dominant asymptomatic condition which occurs due to an inactivating missense mutation in the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) located on the short arm of the chromosome 3 (FBHH3q). CaSR is a plasma membrane G protein-coupled receptor which is expressed on the parathyroid glands and the renal tubules which has the ability to sense any changes in the circulating calcium concentrated and send this information through the signaling pathway to the parathyroid gland that modifies the PTH secretion. FHH can sometimes present with signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia such as confusion, fatigue, muscle weakness, constipation, anorexia, anhedonia, headaches, gastroesophageal reflux, polyuria, polydipsia, palpitations, nausea, vomiting, thinning of hair. Very rarely it can present with complications such as pancreatitis, gallstones, chondrocalcinosis. Patients with FHH should be differentiated from the primary hyperparathyroidism to avoid unnecessary parathyroidectomy. Calcium creatinine clearance can be used to differentiate between FHH and primary hypercalcemia. Patients with FHH has a lifespan and quality of living similar to that of the general population.

Historical Perspective

Until 1966 many asymptomatic hypercalcemic patients were identified to have familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, then Jackson and Boonstra described their first patient with hypercalcemia presumed to have hyperparathyroidism. He wasn’t cured despite the removal of three and a half hyperplastic parathyroid glands. Subsequently, seventeen family members with hypercalcemia were identified in three generation.

Classification

Three genetically heterogeneous variants are reported so far for familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia. Type 1 – due to loss-of-functional mutations of the calcium-sensing receptor (encoded by CASR). Type 2 – unknown cause. Type 3 – associated with adaptor-related protein complex 2, sigma 1 subunit (AP2S1) mutations, which alter calcium-sensing receptor endocytosis.

Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia is due to an inactivating missense mutation in the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) located on the short arm of the chromosome 3 (FBHH3q). The mutation of CaSR is associated with two inherited conditions FBHH and neonatal hyperparathyroidism. CaSR is a plasma membrane G protein-coupled receptor which is expressed on the chief cells of the parathyroid glands and the cells lining the renal tubules. CasR has the ability to sense any changes in levels of the circulating calcium concentration and send this information through the signaling pathway to the parathyroid gland that modifies the PTH secretion.

Causes

FHH is caused by a mutation in the CaSR gene located on chromosome 3. The calcium-sensing receptor is a plasma membrane G protein-coupled receptor that is expressed on the chief cells of the parathyroid gland and the lining the kidney tubule. CaSR has the ability to sense small changes in circulating calcium concentration and send this information to intracellular signaling pathways that modify PTH secretion or renal calcium handling. Inherited abnormalities of the CaSR gene located on chromosome 3p13.3-21 can cause either hypercalcemia or hypocalcemia depending upon whether they are inactivating or activating. Heterozygous loss-of-functional mutations give rise to FHH, a lifelong asymptomatic hypercalcemia. The homozygous condition manifests as neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism, a rare disorder characterized by extreme hypercalcemia and the bony changes of hyperparathyroidism. The disorder autosomal dominant hypocalcemia is due to gain-of-function mutations in the CaSR gene, this can be asymptomatic or presents with seizures. FHH is classified into three types Type-1: caused by loss-of-function mutations of the CaSR, a G-protein coupled receptor that predominantly signals via G-protein subunit alpha-11 (Gα11) to regulate calcium homeostasis located on chromosome 3q13.3-q21. Type-2: caused by heterozygous mutation in the GNA11 gene on chromosome 19p13. Type-3: caused by heterozygous mutation in the AP2S1 gene on chromosome 19q13.

Differentiating Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia from Other Diseases

Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia must be differentiated from primary hyperparathyroidism to avoid unnecessary parathyroidectomy. Calcium Creatinine Clearance Ratio is used to differentiate FHH from primary hyperparathyroidism, ratios < 0.01 are suggestive of FHH and > 0.01 are suggestive of primary hyperparathyroidism. This genetic test of the CaSR gene is the gold standard. If negative, genetic testing for mutation of G alpha 11 and AP2S1 can diagnose FHH2 and FHH3, respectively.

Epidemiology and Demographics

There is insufficient evidence about the incidence of familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia. The prevalence of FHH is estimated to be 0.78 in 100,000 hypercalcemia cases. Patients of all age groups may develop familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia. There is neither racial or gender predisposition for familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia.

Risk Factors

There are no established risk factors for familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia other than the positive family history of benign hypercalcemia.

Screening

Prenatal testing for FHH is not recommended routinely. If both parents have type-1 FHH, their children should be screened for CaSR mutation. Genetic screening for the CaSR familial mutation is also offered to family members of affected individuals. CaSR and AP2S1 sequencing are done in patients with familial hyperparathyroidism and phenotype suggesting FHH. Children with higher serum calcium and magnesium levels with associated learning difficulties may suggest the presence of an AP2S1 mutation and may require further genetic evaluation.

Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis

Very rarely familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia can cause complications such as pancreatitis, gallstones, chondrocalcinosis. Prognosis is excellent and patients with FHH have a normal lifespan.

Diagnosis

Diagnostic Criteria

The diagnosis of familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia is based on the presence of asymptomatic hypercalcemia in the multiple family members, hypercalcemia, and hypocalciuria.

History and Symptoms

The majority of patients with familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) are asymptomatic. Very rarely can present with signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia such as confusion, fatigue, muscle weakness, constipation, anorexia, anhedonia, headaches, gastroesophageal reflux, polyuria, polydipsia, palpitations, nausea, vomiting and thinning of hair.

Physical Examination

Physical examination of patients with familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) is usually unremarkable. Very rarely patients may have examination findings due to hypercalcemia.

Laboratory Findings

Calcium creatinine clearance ratio is used to differentiate FHH from primary hyperparathyroidism, a ratio < 0.01 is suggestive of FHH and > 0.01 is suggestive of primary hyperparathyroidism. Calcium creatinine clearance ratio = [24-hour urine Ca x serum Cr] ÷ [serum Ca x 24-hour urine Cr].

Electrocardiogram

There are no echocardiography/ultrasound findings associated with FHH.

X-ray

There are no x-ray findings associated with familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH).

Ultrasound

There are no ultrasound findings associated with familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia.

CT scan

There are no CT scan findings associated with FHH.

MRI

There are no MRI findings associated with familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia.

Other Diagnostic Studies

The gene responsible for familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia maps to chromosome 3q. DNA sequencing test may be helpful in the diagnosis of FHH. The test detects mutations including point mutations, deletions, insertions, and rearrangements in the coding sequences of CaSR.

Treatment

Medical Therapy

There is no treatment for familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia as it is a benign condition. However, the avoidance of parathyroidectomy should be emphasized to the FHH diagnosed patients.

Surgery

Surgical intervention is not recommended for the management of FHH. Very rarely its done in patients with associated pancreatitis, parathyroid adenoma, hyperparathyroidism, and hypercalciuria.

Primary Prevention

There are no established measures for the primary prevention of familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia.

Secondary Prevention

Secondary prevention of familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia includes monitoring for serum calcium annually.

References


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Historical Perspective

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ajay Gade MD[2]]

Overview

Until 1966 many asymptomatic hypercalcemic patients were identified to have familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH), then Jackson and Boonstra described their first patient with hypercalcemia presumed to have hyperparathyroidism. He was not cured despite the removal of three and a half hyperplastic parathyroid glands. Subsequently, seventeen family members with hypercalcemia were identified in three generations.

Historical Perspective

  • A similar family was identified in the year 1972 by Foley Et al. The family members of both the families were asymptomatic and hypercalcemic which is very typical of FHH.[2]
  • In 1990 ten cases of pancreatitis were reported in patients with family members of FHH.[3]

References

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Classification

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ajay Gade MD[2]]

Overview

Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia is classified into three types. Type-1 is due to loss-of-function mutations of the calcium-sensing receptor, type-2 is caused by the mutation of GNA 11 gene, type-3 is associated with adaptor-related protein complex 2, sigma 1 subunit (AP2S1) mutations, which alter the endocytosis of calcium-sensing receptor.

Classification

Classification based on genetic mutations

FHH is an autosomal dominant benign inherited condition caused by three types of mutations the most common mutation is an inactivating missense mutation of the CaSR located on chromosome 3q. It is very rarely caused by the mutation of GNA11 gene and AP2S1 gene.[1][2]

There are three types of FHH:


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Type 1 FHH
 
 
Type 2 FHH
 
 
Type 3 FHH
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mutations of the calcium-sensing receptor
 
 
Mutation in the GNA11 gene
 
 
Mutation in the AP2S1 gene
 
 
 
 

References

  1. Stratta P, Merlotti G, Musetti C, Quaglia M, Pagani A, Izzo C, Radin E, Airoldi A, Baorda F, Palladino T, Leone MP, Guarnieri V (2014). “Calcium-sensing-related gene mutations in hypercalcaemic hypocalciuric patients as differential diagnosis from primary hyperparathyroidism: detection of two novel inactivating mutations in an Italian population”. Nephrol. Dial. Transplant. 29 (10): 1902–9. doi:10.1093/ndt/gfu065. PMID 25104082.
  2. Vargas-Poussou R, Mansour-Hendili L, Baron S, Bertocchio JP, Travers C, Simian C, Treard C, Baudouin V, Beltran S, Broux F, Camard O, Cloarec S, Cormier C, Debussche X, Dubosclard E, Eid C, Haymann JP, Kiando SR, Kuhn JM, Lefort G, Linglart A, Lucas-Pouliquen B, Macher MA, Maruani G, Ouzounian S, Polak M, Requeda E, Robier D, Silve C, Souberbielle JC, Tack I, Vezzosi D, Jeunemaitre X, Houillier P (2016). “Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia Types 1 and 3 and Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Similarities and Differences”. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 101 (5): 2185–95. doi:10.1210/jc.2015-3442. PMID 26963950.
  3. Gorvin CM, Cranston T, Hannan FM, Rust N, Qureshi A, Nesbit MA, Thakker RV (2016). “A G-protein Subunit-α11 Loss-of-Function Mutation, Thr54Met, Causes Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia Type 2 (FHH2)”. J. Bone Miner. Res. 31 (6): 1200–6. doi:10.1002/jbmr.2778. PMC 4949650. PMID 26729423.
  4. Nesbit MA, Hannan FM, Howles SA, Babinsky VN, Head RA, Cranston T, Rust N, Hobbs MR, Heath H, Thakker RV (2013). “Mutations affecting G-protein subunit α11 in hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia”. N. Engl. J. Med. 368 (26): 2476–2486. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1300253. PMC 3773604. PMID 23802516.
  5. Szalat A, Shpitzen S, Tsur A, Zalmon Koren I, Shilo S, Tripto-Shkolnik L, Durst R, Leitersdorf E, Meiner V (2017). “Stepwise CaSR, AP2S1, and GNA11 sequencing in patients with suspected familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia”. Endocrine. 55 (3): 741–747. doi:10.1007/s12020-017-1241-5. PMID 28176280.
  6. Hendy GN, Canaff L, Newfield RS, Tripto-Shkolnik L, Wong BY, Lee BS, Cole DE (2014). “Codon Arg15 mutations of the AP2S1 gene: common occurrence in familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia cases negative for calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) mutations”. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 99 (7): E1311–5. doi:10.1210/jc.2014-1120. PMID 24731014.
  7. Mayr B, Schnabel D, Dörr HG, Schöfl C (2016). “GENETICS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Gain and loss of function mutations of the calcium-sensing receptor and associated proteins: current treatment concepts”. Eur. J. Endocrinol. 174 (5): R189–208. doi:10.1530/EJE-15-1028. PMID 26646938.

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Pathophysiology

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ajay Gade MD[2]]

Overview

The pathophysiology of familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) consists of an inactivating missense mutation in the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) located on the short arm of the chromosome 3 (FBHH3q). The mutation of CaSR is associated with two inherited conditions FHH and neonatal hyperparathyroidism. CaSR is a plasma membrane G protein-coupled receptor which is expressed on the chief cells of the parathyroid glands and the cells lining the renal tubules. CasR has the ability to sense any changes in the circulating calcium concentration and send this information through the signaling pathway to the parathyroid gland that modifies PTH secretion.

Pathophysiology

Genetics

Associated Conditions

FHH sometimes is associated with pancreatitis because the mutation in CaSR can make the pancreas susceptible for inflammation.[8]

Gross Pathology

No gross pathology is seen in FHH.

Microscopic Pathology

On light microscopy the percentage parenchyma is reduced in parathyroid glands in patients with familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, whereas the adipose tissue percentage is increased in the parathyroid glands.[9][10]

References

  1. Bai M, Janicic N, Trivedi S, Quinn SJ, Cole DE, Brown EM, Hendy GN (1997). “Markedly reduced activity of mutant calcium-sensing receptor with an inserted Alu element from a kindred with familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia and neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism”. J. Clin. Invest. 99 (8): 1917–25. doi:10.1172/JCI119359. PMC 508016. PMID 9109436.
  2. Pollak MR, Brown EM, Chou YH, Hebert SC, Marx SJ, Steinmann B, Levi T, Seidman CE, Seidman JG (1993). “Mutations in the human Ca(2+)-sensing receptor gene cause familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia and neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism”. Cell. 75 (7): 1297–303. PMID 7916660.
  3. “Recent advances in understanding the extracellular calcium-sensing receptor”.
  4. Hendy GN, D’Souza-Li L, Yang B, Canaff L, Cole DE (2000). “Mutations of the calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) in familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism, and autosomal dominant hypocalcemia”. Hum Mutat. 16 (4): 281–96. doi:10.1002/1098-1004(200010)16:4<281::AID-HUMU1>3.0.CO;2-A. PMID 11013439.
  5. “Mutations in the calcium-sensing receptor and their clinical implications. – PubMed – NCBI”.
  6. “Redirecting”.
  7. “Mutations of the calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) in familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism, and autosomal dominant hypocalcemia – Hendy – 2000 – Human Mutation – Wiley Online Library”.
  8. Whitcomb DC (2010). “Genetic aspects of pancreatitis”. Annu. Rev. Med. 61: 413–24. doi:10.1146/annurev.med.041608.121416. PMID 20059346.
  9. Law WM, Carney JA, Heath H (1984). “Parathyroid glands in familial benign hypercalcemia (familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia)”. Am. J. Med. 76 (6): 1021–6. PMID 6731460.
  10. Thorgeirsson U, Costa J, Marx SJ (1981). “The parathyroid glands in familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia”. Hum. Pathol. 12 (3): 229–37. PMID 7228018.

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Causes

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ajay Gade MD[2]]

Overview

Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH]) is caused by a mutation in the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) gene located on the chromosome 3. The chief cells of the parathyroid gland and the lining the kidney tubule express CaSR, a G protein coupled plasma membrane receptor which has the ability to sense small changes in circulating calcium concentration. This information is sent to intracellular signaling pathways that modify PTH secretion or renal calcium handling. Inherited abnormalities of the CaSR gene located on chromosome 3p13.3-21 can cause either hypercalcemia or hypocalcemia. Inactivating mutation causes hypercalcemia, whereas the activating mutation causes hypocalcemia. Heterozygous loss-of-function mutations give rise to FHH, an asymptomatic hypercalcemia. The homozygous mutation manifests as neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism, a rare disorder characterized by extreme hypercalcemia and the bony changes of hyperparathyroidism. The disorder is known to be autosomal dominant hypocalcemia due to a gain-of-function mutations in the CaSR gene; this may be asymptomatic or may present with seizures. The three types of FHH are known to be caused due to different genetic mutations. Type-1 FHH is caused by a loss-of-function mutations of the CaSR, a G-protein coupled receptor that predominantly signals via G-protein subunit alpha-11 (Gα11) to regulate calcium homeostasis located on chromosome 3q13.3-q21. Type-2 FHH is caused by heterozygous mutation in the GNA11 gene on chromosome 19p13. Type-3 FHH is caused by heterozygous mutation in the AP2S1 gene on chromosome 19q13.

Causes

Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) is an autosomal dominant benign inherited condition caused by inactivating missense mutation of the CaSR located on chromosome 3q. There are three types of FHH[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]

Genetic Causes

The genetic causes are as follows[8][9][10]:

References

  1. Stratta P, Merlotti G, Musetti C, Quaglia M, Pagani A, Izzo C, Radin E, Airoldi A, Baorda F, Palladino T, Leone MP, Guarnieri V (2014). “Calcium-sensing-related gene mutations in hypercalcaemic hypocalciuric patients as differential diagnosis from primary hyperparathyroidism: detection of two novel inactivating mutations in an Italian population”. Nephrol. Dial. Transplant. 29 (10): 1902–9. doi:10.1093/ndt/gfu065. PMID 25104082.
  2. Vargas-Poussou R, Mansour-Hendili L, Baron S, Bertocchio JP, Travers C, Simian C, Treard C, Baudouin V, Beltran S, Broux F, Camard O, Cloarec S, Cormier C, Debussche X, Dubosclard E, Eid C, Haymann JP, Kiando SR, Kuhn JM, Lefort G, Linglart A, Lucas-Pouliquen B, Macher MA, Maruani G, Ouzounian S, Polak M, Requeda E, Robier D, Silve C, Souberbielle JC, Tack I, Vezzosi D, Jeunemaitre X, Houillier P (2016). “Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia Types 1 and 3 and Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Similarities and Differences”. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 101 (5): 2185–95. doi:10.1210/jc.2015-3442. PMID 26963950.
  3. Gorvin CM, Cranston T, Hannan FM, Rust N, Qureshi A, Nesbit MA, Thakker RV (2016). “A G-protein Subunit-α11 Loss-of-Function Mutation, Thr54Met, Causes Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia Type 2 (FHH2)”. J. Bone Miner. Res. 31 (6): 1200–6. doi:10.1002/jbmr.2778. PMC 4949650. PMID 26729423.
  4. Nesbit MA, Hannan FM, Howles SA, Babinsky VN, Head RA, Cranston T, Rust N, Hobbs MR, Heath H, Thakker RV (2013). “Mutations affecting G-protein subunit α11 in hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia”. N. Engl. J. Med. 368 (26): 2476–2486. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1300253. PMC 3773604. PMID 23802516.
  5. Szalat A, Shpitzen S, Tsur A, Zalmon Koren I, Shilo S, Tripto-Shkolnik L, Durst R, Leitersdorf E, Meiner V (2017). “Stepwise CaSR, AP2S1, and GNA11 sequencing in patients with suspected familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia”. Endocrine. 55 (3): 741–747. doi:10.1007/s12020-017-1241-5. PMID 28176280.
  6. Hendy GN, Canaff L, Newfield RS, Tripto-Shkolnik L, Wong BY, Lee BS, Cole DE (2014). “Codon Arg15 mutations of the AP2S1 gene: common occurrence in familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia cases negative for calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) mutations”. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 99 (7): E1311–5. doi:10.1210/jc.2014-1120. PMID 24731014.
  7. Mayr B, Schnabel D, Dörr HG, Schöfl C (2016). “GENETICS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Gain and loss of function mutations of the calcium-sensing receptor and associated proteins: current treatment concepts”. Eur. J. Endocrinol. 174 (5): R189–208. doi:10.1530/EJE-15-1028. PMID 26646938.
  8. Hendy GN, D’Souza-Li L, Yang B, Canaff L, Cole DE (2000). “Mutations of the calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) in familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism, and autosomal dominant hypocalcemia”. Hum. Mutat. 16 (4): 281–96. doi:10.1002/1098-1004(200010)16:4<281::AID-HUMU1>3.0.CO;2-A. PMID 11013439.
  9. Pidasheva S, D’Souza-Li L, Canaff L, Cole DE, Hendy GN (2004). “CASRdb: calcium-sensing receptor locus-specific database for mutations causing familial (benign) hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism, and autosomal dominant hypocalcemia”. Hum. Mutat. 24 (2): 107–11. doi:10.1002/humu.20067. PMID 15241791.
  10. Felderbauer P, Hoffmann P, Klein W, Bulut K, Ansorge N, Epplen JT, Schmitz F, Schmidt WE (2005). “Identification of a novel calcium-sensing receptor gene mutation causing familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia by single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis”. Exp. Clin. Endocrinol. Diabetes. 113 (1): 31–4. doi:10.1055/s-2004-830523. PMID 15662592.

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Differentiating Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia from other Diseases

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ajay Gade MD[2]]

Overview

Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia must be differentiated from primary hyperparathyroidism to avoid unnecessary parathyroidectomy. Calcium creatinine clearance ratio is used to differentiate FHH from primary hyperparathyroidism, ratio < 0.01 suggestive of FHH and > 0.01 suggestive of primary hyperparathyroidism. This genetic test of the CaSR gene is the gold standard. If negative, genetic testing for mutation of G alpha 11 and AP2S1 can diagnose FHH2 and FHH3, respectively.

Differentiating Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia From Other Diseases

Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia should be differentiated from other causes of hypercalcemia. Causes of hypercalcemia include:

Parathyroid-related Non-parathyroid related Medication-induced Other
Differential diagnosis of Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia on the basis of hypercalcemia
Disorder Mechanism of hypercalcemia Clinical features Laboratory findings Imaging & diagnostic modalities
PTH Calcium Phosphate Other findings
Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia
  • This is a benign condition and does not require treatment.
Normal/↑ Normal/↑
Hyperparathyroidism Primary hyperparathyroidism Increase in secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) from a primary process in the parathyroid gland. Parathyroid hormone causes an increase in serum calcium.
  • Usually asymptomatic
  • Hypercalcemia detected on routine biochemical panel
↓/Normal Normal/↑ calcitriol Findings of bone resorption:

Preoperative localization of hyperfunctioning parathyroid gland:

Predicting post-operative success:

Secondary hyperparathyroidism Increase in secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) from a secondary process. Parathyroid hormone causes an increase in serum calcium. ↓/Normal
Tertiary hyperparathyroidism Continuous elevation of parathyroid hormone (PTH) even after successful treatment of the secondary cause of elevated parathyroid hormone. Parathyroid hormone causes an increase in serum calcium.
Malignancy[1] Humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy[2][3][4] Tumor cells secrete parathyroidhormone-related protein (PTHrP) which acts similarly to parathyroid hormone. ↓/Normal PTHrP

Normal/↑ calcitriol

Osteolytic tumors Multiple myeloma produces osteolysis of bones causing hypercalcemia. Osteolytic metastasis can cause bone resorption causing hypercalcemia.
Production of calcitriol Some tumors have ectopic activity of 1-alpha-hydroxylase leading to increased production of calcitriol. Calcitriol is active form of vitamin D and causes hypercalcemia. Calcitriol
Ectopic parathyroid hormone[5] Some tumors leads to ectopic production of parathyroid hormone. ↓/Normal Normal/↑ Calcitriol
Medication induced Lithium[6] Lithium lowers urinary calcium and causes hypercalcemia. Lithium has been reported to cause an increase in parathyroid hormones and enlargement of parathyroid gland after weeks to months of therapy.
  • History of mood disorder
Thiazide diuretics Thiazide diuretics lowers urinary calcium excretion and causes hypercalcemia
Nutritional Milk-alkali syndrome Hypercalcemia caused by high intake of calcium carbonate
Vitamin D toxicity Excess vitamin D causes increased absorption of calcium from intestine causing hypercalcemia. Vitamin D (calcidiol and/or calcitriol)
Granulomatous disease Sarcoidosis[9] Hypercalcemia is caused by endogenous production of calcitriol by disease-activated macrophages.

References

  1. Mirrakhimov AE (2015). “Hypercalcemia of Malignancy: An Update on Pathogenesis and Management”. N Am J Med Sci. 7 (11): 483–93. doi:10.4103/1947-2714.170600. PMC 4683803. PMID 26713296.
  2. Ratcliffe WA, Hutchesson AC, Bundred NJ, Ratcliffe JG (1992). “Role of assays for parathyroid-hormone-related protein in investigation of hypercalcaemia”. Lancet. 339 (8786): 164–7. doi:10.1016/0140-6736(92)90220-W. PMID 1346019.
  3. Ikeda K, Ohno H, Hane M, Yokoi H, Okada M, Honma T, Yamada A, Tatsumi Y, Tanaka T, Saitoh T (1994). “Development of a sensitive two-site immunoradiometric assay for parathyroid hormone-related peptide: evidence for elevated levels in plasma from patients with adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and B-cell lymphoma”. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 79 (5): 1322–7. doi:10.1210/jcem.79.5.7962324. PMID 7962324.
  4. Horwitz MJ, Tedesco MB, Sereika SM, Hollis BW, Garcia-Ocaña A, Stewart AF (2003). “Direct comparison of sustained infusion of human parathyroid hormone-related protein-(1-36) [hPTHrP-(1-36)] versus hPTH-(1-34) on serum calcium, plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentrations, and fractional calcium excretion in healthy human volunteers”. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 88 (4): 1603–9. doi:10.1210/jc.2002-020773. PMID 12679445.
  5. VanHouten JN, Yu N, Rimm D, Dotto J, Arnold A, Wysolmerski JJ, Udelsman R (2006). “Hypercalcemia of malignancy due to ectopic transactivation of the parathyroid hormone gene”. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 91 (2): 580–3. doi:10.1210/jc.2005-2095. PMID 16263810.
  6. Mallette LE, Khouri K, Zengotita H, Hollis BW, Malini S (1989). “Lithium treatment increases intact and midregion parathyroid hormone and parathyroid volume”. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 68 (3): 654–60. doi:10.1210/jcem-68-3-654. PMID 2918061.
  7. Jacobus CH, Holick MF, Shao Q, Chen TC, Holm IA, Kolodny JM, Fuleihan GE, Seely EW (1992). “Hypervitaminosis D associated with drinking milk”. N. Engl. J. Med. 326 (18): 1173–7. doi:10.1056/NEJM199204303261801. PMID 1313547.
  8. Hoeck HC, Laurberg G, Laurberg P (1994). “Hypercalcaemic crisis after excessive topical use of a vitamin D derivative”. J. Intern. Med. 235 (3): 281–2. PMID 8120527.
  9. Dusso AS, Kamimura S, Gallieni M, Zhong M, Negrea L, Shapiro S, Slatopolsky E (1997). “gamma-Interferon-induced resistance to 1,25-(OH)2 D3 in human monocytes and macrophages: a mechanism for the hypercalcemia of various granulomatoses”. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 82 (7): 2222–32. doi:10.1210/jcem.82.7.4074. PMID 9215298.

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Epidemiology and Demographics

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:

Overview

There is insufficient evidence about the incidence of familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia. The prevalence of FHH is estimated to be 0.78 in 100,000 hypercalcemia cases. Patients of all age groups may develop familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia. There is neither racial or gender predisposition for familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia.

Epidemiology and Demographics

Incidence

There is insufficient evidence about the incidence of familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia.

Prevalence

The prevalence of FHH is estimated to be 0.78 in 100,000 hypercalcemia cases[1].

Age

Patients of all age groups may develop familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia.

Race

There is incomplete evidence regarding the racial predilection to familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia.

Gender

Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia affects men and women equally.

References

  1. Hinnie J, Bell E, McKillop E, Gallacher S (2001). “The prevalence of familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia”. Calcif. Tissue Int. 68 (4): 216–8. doi:10.1007/s002230001201. PMID 11353947.

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Risk Factors

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:

Overview

There are no established risk factors for familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia other than the positive family history of benign hypercalcemia.

Risk Factors

There are no established risk factors for familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia.

References

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Screening

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ajay Gade MD[2]]

Overview

There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH).

Screening

References

  1. Fernández López I, Fernández Peña I, Cózar León MV, Viloria Peñas MM, Martínez De Pinillos Gordillo G, Fernández-Ladreda MT, Duran García S (2011). “[Usefulness of genetic tests in familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia with atypical clinical presentation]”. Endocrinol Nutr (in Spanish; Castilian). 58 (7): 325–30. doi:10.1016/j.endonu.2011.04.004. PMID 21697018.
  2. “FHH and Diagnosing FHH. Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia (FHH); Low Urine Calcium”.

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Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ajay Gade MD[2]]

Overview

Patients with familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia are asymptomatic but rarely can present with signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia. Very rarely familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia can cause complications such as pancreatitis, gallstones, chondrocalcinosis. Prognosis is excellent and patients with FHH have a normal lifespan.

Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis

Natural History

Patients with familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia are asymptomatic but rarely can present with signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia.[1]

Complications

Prognosis

Prognosis is good with a lifespan similar to the general population, in patients with familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia.[6]

References

  1. Whitcomb DC (2010). “Genetic aspects of pancreatitis”. Annu. Rev. Med. 61: 413–24. doi:10.1146/annurev.med.041608.121416. PMID 20059346.
  2. Varghese J, Rich T, Jimenez C (2011). “Benign familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia”. Endocr Pract. 17 Suppl 1: 13–7. doi:10.4158/EP10308.RA. PMID 21478088.
  3. Marx SJ, Attie MF, Levine MA, Spiegel AM, Downs RW, Lasker RD (1981). “The hypocalciuric or benign variant of familial hypercalcemia: clinical and biochemical features in fifteen kindreds”. Medicine (Baltimore). 60 (6): 397–412. PMID 7311809.
  4. Law WM, Heath H (1985). “Familial benign hypercalcemia (hypocalciuric hypercalcemia). Clinical and pathogenetic studies in 21 families”. Ann. Intern. Med. 102 (4): 511–9. PMID 3977197.
  5. Heath H (1989). “Familial benign (hypocalciuric) hypercalcemia. A troublesome mimic of mild primary hyperparathyroidism”. Endocrinol. Metab. Clin. North Am. 18 (3): 723–40. PMID 2673770.
  6. “Familial Benign Hypercalcemia (Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia)Clinical and Pathogenetic Studies in 21 Families | Annals of Internal Medicine | American College of Physicians”.

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Diagnosis

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Electrocardiogram | Laboratory Findings | X-Ray Findings | Echocardiography and Ultrasound | CT-Scan Findings | MRI Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies | Other Imaging Findings

Treatment

Treatment

Medical Therapy | Surgery | Primary Prevention | Secondary Prevention | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies

Case Studies

Case Studies

Case #1

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