Parathyroid adenoma with hypertensive crisis and intracerebral hemorrhage mimicking hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets syndrome

Abstract

Background: Hyperparathyroidism is seldom encountered during pregnancy. Moreover, when the disease does occur, it is typically masked until late pregnancy or after delivery.

Case: A previously healthy multiparous woman presented with sudden-onset severe preeclampsia with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets syndrome at 37 weeks of gestation. Acute intracerebral hemorrhage and disseminated intravascular coagulapathy developed 24 hours after cesarean delivery and persisted after craniotomy. Hypercalcemia and hyperparathyroidism were noted, and imaging studies revealed parathyroid tumor. The patient recovered from severe preeclampsia after resection of a hemorrhagic parathyroid adenoma and was fully rehabilitated after 3 months.

Conclusion: This patient exhibited a concealed hyperparathyroidism with acute hypertensive crisis, probably attributable to hemorrhagic parathyroid adenoma. The presentation mimics acute late-onset preeclampsia and requires vigilant diagnosis followed by surgery.