A Delicate Balance: Challenges in the Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism and Congestive Heart Failure

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is an excessive parathyroid hormone (PTH) production disorder, causing increased calcium levels. Commonly, these cases are asymptomatic and detected incidentally on routine labs. These patients are usually conservatively managed and monitored periodically, including bone and kidney health evaluation. Medical management of severe hypercalcemia secondary to PHPT includes IV fluids, cinacalcet, bisphosphonates, and dialysis, while the surgical treatment is parathyroidectomy. Patients suffering from heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) on diuretics and PHPT require a delicate balance of their volume status to prevent exacerbation of either condition. In patients with these two comorbidities on the opposite ends of the volume spectrum, it can lead to challenges in managing these patients. We present a case of a woman with repeated hospitalizations due to poor volume status control. An 82-year-old female with primary hyperparathyroidism (diagnosed 17 years ago), HFrEF due to non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, sick sinus syndrome with a pacemaker, and persistent atrial fibrillation presented to the emergency department with worsening bilateral lower limb swelling for several months. The remaining review of systems was largely negative. Her home medication regimen included carvedilol, losartan, and furosemide. Vitals were stable, and the physical exam revealed bilateral lower extremity pitting edema. Chest x-ray revealed cardiomegaly with mild pulmonary vascular congestion. Relevant labs were NT pro-BNP at 2190 pg/mL, calcium at 11.2 mg/dL, creatinine at 1.0 mg/dL, PTH at 143 pg/mL, and Vitamin D, 25-hydroxy at 48.6 ng/mL. The echocardiogram showed an ejection fraction (EF) of 39%, grade III diastolic dysfunction, severe pulmonary hypertension, and mitral and tricuspid regurgitation. The patient received IV diuretics and guideline-directed treatment for congestive heart failure exacerbation. She was managed conservatively for her hypercalcemia and advised to maintain hydration at home. Spironolactone and Dapagliflozin were added to her regimen, and the Furosemide dose was increased at discharge. The patient was re-admitted three weeks later with fatigue and decreased fluid intake. Vitals were stable; however, the physical exam revealed dehydration. Pertinent labs were calcium at 13.4 mg/dL, potassium at 5.7 mmol/L, creatinine at 1.7 mg/dL (baseline 1.0), PTH at 204 pg/mL, and Vitamin D, 25-hydroxy at 54.1 ng/mL. Repeat ECHO showed an ejection fraction (EF) of 15%. She was started on gentle IV fluids to correct the hypercalcemia while preventing volume overload. Hypercalcemia and acute kidney injury improved with hydration. She was put on Cinacalcet 30 mg, and home medications were adjusted for better volume control at discharge. This case highlights the complications of balancing the volume status with primary hyperparathyroidism and CHF. Worsening HFrEF resulted in a higher diuretic requirement, thereby worsening her hypercalcemia. With emerging data on the correlation between PTH and cardiovascular risks, it is becoming necessary to assess the risks and benefits of conservative management in asymptomatic patients. Current research has also shown that various patient demographics and comorbidities prevent the surgical management of PHPT. Hence, in suitable candidates, parathyroidectomy must be considered early in patients with asymptomatic hyperparathyroidism.