Increased tiredness and pain in the hands.
The patient complained of increased tiredness and pain in his hands. Blood tests and radiographs of his hands were performed. The blood tests revealed hypercalcaemia. Radiographs of the hand showed erosions of the tufts (tips) of the terminal phalanges and sub-periosteal erosions along the radial aspect of the middle phalanges. Also noted was resorption of the middle portion of a few of the phalanges. As part of the work-up, further radiographs of the knee joints were performed, which showed sub-periosteal erosion along the superio-medial aspect of the tibiae. A hyperfunctioning parathyroid adenoma was also noted, for which surgery was performed.
In acro-osteolysis there is loss of terminal tufts of the digits. No periosteal reaction is seen. Epiphyses, if involved, occur late in the disease. It is seen is various conditions including:
The patient in this case, in addition to hypercalcaemia, had other changes of hyperparathyroidism secondary to a parathyroid adenoma: sub-periosteal resorption seen at the proximal tibia bilaterally (Fig. 2) and along the radial aspect of the middle phalanges and resorption of the middle portion of the phalanges.
Acro-osteolysis in hyperparathyroidism
From the bilateral hand X-ray in the frontal view, the following can be observed:
The frontal radiograph of both tibiae shows similar localized subperiosteal bone resorption along the medial or proximal shaft region, further corroborating a systemic bone metabolism disorder.
Based on the patient’s history (male, 40 years old, recent fatigue, hand pain, and hypercalcemia) and the radiographic findings (acro-osteolysis and subperiosteal resorption), the following differential diagnoses should be considered:
Considering the combination of elevated serum calcium, subperiosteal resorption, and acro-osteolysis, hyperparathyroidism is the most representative potential diagnosis.
Taking into account the patient’s age, clinical symptoms (fatigue, hand pain), laboratory data (hypercalcemia), and X-ray findings (acro-osteolysis and subperiosteal bone resorption), the most likely diagnosis is:
Primary Hyperparathyroidism (suspected to be caused by a parathyroid adenoma)
Confirmation typically requires further blood tests (e.g., parathyroid hormone [PTH] levels) and neck imaging (e.g., ultrasound, CT, or nuclear medicine scan) to assess the parathyroid glands.
For patients with bone metabolism disorders but without severe osteoporosis or high risk of fracture, a gradual, low-impact exercise regimen may be recommended, following the FITT-VP principles:
If the patient exhibits significant osteoporosis or severe bone pain, follow individualized training supervised by specialist physicians and rehabilitation therapists to minimize fall and fracture risks.
This report is based solely on the available imaging and clinical history and is intended for reference only. It does not replace an in-person consultation or professional medical advice. The definitive diagnosis and treatment plan should be made by the attending medical team after comprehensive clinical evaluations and further testing.
Acro-osteolysis in hyperparathyroidism