Rinsho Shinkeigaku (Clinical Neurology)

Case Report

Dropped head syndrome as first manifestation of primary hyperparathyroid myopathy

Kiyobumi Ota, M.D., Ph.D.1), Sayo Koseki, M.D.2), Kenji Ikegami, M.D.3), Iichiroh Onishi, M.D., Ph.D.4), Hiyoryuki Tomimitsu, M.D., Ph.D.1) and Shuzo Shintani, M.D., Ph.D.1)

1)Department of Neurology, JA Toride Medical Center
2)Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, JA Toride Medical Center
3)Department of Otorhinolaryngology, JA Toride Medical Center
4)Department of Pathology, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University

75 years old woman presented with 6-month history of progressive dropped head syndrome. Neurological examination revealed moderate weakness of flexor and extensor of neck and mild weakness of proximal appendicular muscles with normal deep tendon reflexes. The needle electromyography showed short duration and low amplitude motor unit potential. No fibrillation potentials or positive sharp waves were seen. Biopsy of deltoid muscle was normal. Laboratory studies showed elevated levels of serum calcium (11.8 mg/dl, upper limit of normal 10.1) and intact parathyroid hormone (104 pg/ml, upper limit of normal 65), and decreased level of serum phosphorus (2.3 mg/dl, lower limit of normal 2.7). Ultrasonography and enhanced computed tomography revealed a parathyroid tumor. The tumor was removed surgically. Pathological examination proved tumor to be parathyroid adenoma. Dropped head and weakness of muscles were dramatically improved within a week after the operation. Although hyperparathyroidism is a rare cause of dropped head syndrome, neurologists must recognize hyperparathyroidism as a treatable cause of dropped head syndrome.
Full Text of this Article in Japanese PDF (683K)

(CLINICA NEUROL, 58: 193－197, 2018)
key words: dropped head syndrome, hyperparathyroidism, myopathy, parathyroid adenoma

(Received: 4-Dec-17)