The parathyroid glands are located at the front and base of the neck around the thyroid gland and produce parathyroid hormone . Parathyroid hormone regulates calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium balance within the blood and bone by maintaining a balance between the mineral levels in the blood and the bone. Excessive levels of parathyroid hormone disturbs this balance and results in increasing the blood calcium level by reabsorbing it from the bone and increasing absorption from the kidneys and intestines. The effects of abnormal calcium levels are seen in several body systems including the skeletal, gastrointestinal, renal , muscular, and central nervous system . A radioimmunoassay of parathyroid hormone that shows an increased level.
Serum calcium is increased.
Serum chloride may be increased. Serum phosphorus is decreased. Serum alkaline phosphatase may be increased. Bone X-ray shows bone reabsorption or fractures . Imaging of the kidneys or ureters shows calcification or obstruction.