Total body calcium mass in primary hyperparathyroidism and long-term changes.

The total body calcium mass of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism was measured by whole-body neutron activation analysis. Among 14 untreated patients, the calcium mass was significantly subnormal in 2. Long-term follow-up in 4 unoperated patients showed that the calcium mass remained unchanged in 3; in the 4th patient, parathyroidectomy was carried out after the 18th month of follow-up. Her total body calcium fell by 16% before operation, but was nearly regained in the following 3 years. In 1 patient followed for 32 months after parathyroidectomy, the calcium mass remained unchanged. After a follow-up in 4 additional patients for an average of 15 months, the calcium mass remained unchanged in 3, whereas the 4th showed a significant decrease 12 months after the first measurement.