A 28-year-old male experienced sudden onset chest pain when exercising (triceps dips) which was exacerbated by breathing and coughing. He complained of excessive tiredness, polydipsia and polyuria. On examination, there was tenderness at the sternum. Bloods revealed elevated calcium (2.77mmol/L) and parathyroid hormone (11.7pmol/L). Vitamin D level was normal (82.7nmol/L).
An ultrasound examination of the chest performed showed an acute linear fracture through the anterior cortex of the sternum just below the level of the sternomanubrial joint (Fig. 1). A bone densitometry DEXA scan showed osteoporosis of the L2-L4 vertebral bodies (Fig. 2). An ultrasound of the neck revealed a well-defined, hypoechoic nodule located just inferior to the lower pole of the left lobe of the thyroid gland measuring 14x8x5mm (Fig. 3). A SPECT-CT demonstrated a well-defined area of retained activity in the lower pole of the left lobe of the thyroid correlating with the findings of the ultrasound scan (Fig. 4). The CT component of the study also showed a further view of the sternal fracture (Fig. 5). The overall appearances were in keeping with a parathyroid adenoma situated in the lower pole of the left lobe of the thyroid.
Background:
Sternal fractures are most commonly associated with blunt anterior chest trauma and are widely reported in the medical literature [[i]]. Sternal insufficiency fractures in patients with osteoporosis are reported although these more commonly occur in elderly patients. Insufficiency fractures occur when normal mechanical stresses are repeatedly applied across abnormal bone, most commonly secondary to osteoporosis. During chest wall exercises, upper body stresses are transmitted to the sternum through the pectoral muscles, costal cartilages and clavicles meaning repetitions of such exercises can lead to sternal injury when the underlying bone is abnormal [[ii]]. Similar cases have previously been reported in military recruits who were performing repetitive triceps dips during their induction training [[iii]]. Sternal fractures can be difficult to diagnose clinically as they are often mistaken for muscle strains or sternoclavicular joint disorders. In the emergent setting, sternal fractures have been investigated as possible acute coronary syndromes given the differential diagnosis when presenting with chest pain in the setting of exercise [[iv]].
Primary hyperparathyroidism is characterised by an inappropriately elevated level of parathyroid hormone (PTH). It is typically caused by a single, benign parathyroid adenoma in 80% of cases but can also be secondary to multiglandular adenomas such as in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1, parathyroid gland hyperplasia, or rarely a parathyroid carcinoma. On imaging, a parathyroid adenoma is usually seen as a well-defined homogenous, hypoechoic and hypervascular nodule which may or may not contain cystic regions. Adenomas are perithyroidal in over 90% of cases and can be ectopic in location in 5-10% with the carotid sheath, mediastinum, great vessels or cardiac border being the locations involved given the embryology origins of the glands. US is most useful in identifying adenomas located close to the thyroid gland or the cervical portion of the thymus. 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy can be used to either confirm the location of the adenoma visualised on US scanning or locate ectopic adenomas. This nuclear medicine study is based on the preferential uptake of sestamibi in mitochondria-rich parathyroid adenoma cells [[v]].
Clinical perspective:
Atraumatic, low impact fractures warrant further clinical review and investigation as they may be the first presentation of sequelae of secondary causes of reduced bone mineral density that require treatment. This is particularly the case in young adults.
Therapy planning:
For patients with an identified single parathyroid adenoma and end-organ complications such as osteoporosis and/or renal stones treatment is with a minimally invasive parathyroidectomy of the one affected gland. This is particularly the case in young patients. Intra-operative measurement of PTH is often helpful.
Outcome:
The aim of parathyroidectomy of the affected gland is complete cure, which is defined as the reestablishment of normal calcium homeostasis lasting for at least 6 months. In patients with sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism complete cure is achieved in 95% of patients following surgery.
Prognosis:
Bone mineral density improves considerably following parathyroidectomy and normalisation of calcium homeostasis. It is appropriate to repeat assessment of bone densitometry 18 months post-operatively.
Teaching points:
Atraumatic sternal fracture should prompt further clinical review and investigation for underlying causes of low bone density, and particularly in younger patients.
Acute sternal fracture secondary to primary hyperparathyroidism resulting from a parathyroid adenoma
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Based on the provided imaging materials (including sternal ultrasound, bone density test, neck ultrasound, 99mTc-Sestamibi scan, and chest CT, etc.), the following features are observed:
Considering the patient’s young age, the presence of a sternal fracture without a notable trauma history, and lab results indicating hypercalcemia and elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH), the potential diagnoses may include:
Taking into account the patient’s young age, sternal pain during physical activity followed by the discovery of a non-traumatic fracture, significantly elevated serum calcium and PTH levels, and imaging findings suggestive of a parathyroid adenoma-like lesion, the most likely diagnosis is:
“Sternal bone changes and stress fracture caused by primary hyperparathyroidism”
During and after the healing of the sternal fracture, it is crucial to improve bone density and promote fracture healing while preventing excessive stress:
Example of the FITT-VP Principle:
Disclaimer: This report is based on the limited information provided and is intended for medical reference only. It is not a substitute for in-person consultation or guidance from a professional physician. Please follow the diagnosis and treatment instructions of your hospital or a specialist for specific medical care.
Acute sternal fracture secondary to primary hyperparathyroidism resulting from a parathyroid adenoma
