Brown tumour as a complication of secondary hyperparathyroidism in uraemia: a case report.

A 15-year-old girl who developed "brown tumour" as a complication of secondary hyperparathyroidism while on maintenance haemodialysis therapy is described. Parathyroidectomy with implantation of a portion of one parathyroid gland was performed. Recovery of the lesion was noted 6 months after surgery and a ratio of about 1/12 was found when the systemic parathormone level was compared to that obtained from the vein draining the implanted parathyroid tissue. We would like to emphasize that signs and symptoms of secondary hyperparathyroidism should be sought for before complications develop; and if medical therapy is unsuccessful, this type of surgery is a justified option.