Chronic urticaria as a manifestation of hyperparathyroidism: A case study

• Main Authors: Catherine J. Kulaga, Mahfoud Beajow
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2018-06-01
• Series: Journal of Clinical and Translational Endocrinology Case Reports
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214624517300199

Chronic urticaria is defined by the presence of urticaria (hives), on most days of the week for a period of 6 weeks or longer. In 80–90% of adults with chronic urticaria, no external allergic cause or contributing disease process can be identified. Primary hyperparathyroidism is a rare cause of refractory chronic urticaria. We present a case of a 59-year-old Caucasian female with refractory chronic urticaria who was found to have primary hyperparathyroidism. No identifiable cause for her urticaria was found. Her symptoms resolved completely after parathyroidectomy.Chronic urticaria has been described previously as an uncommon first presentation of hyperparathyroidism. Patients present with itchy, burning wheals and angioedema that are refractory to treatment with antihistamines, steroids, and trigger avoidance.