Familial hyperparathyroidism caused by solitary adenomas.

Most cases of familial hyperparathyroidism are due to diffuse chief cell hyperplasia. No documented cases of familial disease associated with single adenomas in which multiple glands have been biopsied have been reported. The family described here had solitary adenomas proven in four members. Biopsy of other glands showed normal parathyroid tissue. Despite careful evaluation, additional endocrinopathies have not been found during a 24-year follow-up.