Effect of Parathyroidectomy on Hypercalcemic Hypersecretory Peptic Ulcer Disease

Abstract A patient is described with severe peptic ulcer disease, hypercalcemic hyperparathyroidism, gastric acid hypersecretion, and borderline elevated fasting serum gastrin concentrations. After parathyroidectomy, serum calcium and gastrin levels returned to normal, acid secretion was markedly decreased, and the peptic ulcers healed. This study reaffirms the positive beneficial effect of correction of hypercalcemic hyperparathyroidism in a patient with hypersecretory peptic ulcer disease. This study supports the position that in patients with hypercalcemic hyperparathyroidism and some clinical and laboratory features suggesting the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, gastric surgery should only be performed if hypergastrinemia and symptoms persist after correction of hypercalcemia.