Familial isolated primary hyperparathyroidism associated with germline GCM2 mutations is more aggressive and has a lesser rate of biochemical cure

Surgery. 2018 Jan;163(1):31-34. doi: 10.1016/j.surg.2017.04.027. Epub 2017 Nov 3.

Abstract

Background: Hereditary primary hyperparathyroidism may be syndromic or nonsyndromic (familial isolated hyperparathyroidism). Recently, germline activating mutations in the GCM2 gene were identified in a subset of familial isolated hyperparathyroidism. This study examined the clinical and biochemical characteristics and the treatment outcomes of GCM2 mutation-positive familial isolated hyperparathyroidism as compared to sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of clinical features, parathyroid pathology, and operative outcomes in 18 patients with GCM2 germline mutations and 457 patients with sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism.

Results: Age at diagnosis, sex distribution, race/ethnicity, and preoperative serum calcium concentrations were similar between the 2 groups. The preoperative serum levels of intact parathyroid hormone was greater in patients with GCM2-associated primary hyperparathyroidism (239 ± 394 vs 136 ± 113, P = .005) as were rates of multigland disease and parathyroid carcinoma in the GCM2 group (78% vs 14.3%, P < .001 and 5% vs 0%, P = .04, respectively), but the biochemical cure rate was less in the GCM2 group (86% vs 99%, P < .001).

Conclusion: GCM2-associated primary hyperparathyroidism patients have greater preoperative parathyroid hormone levels, a greater rate of multigland disease, a lesser rate of biochemical cure, and a substantial risk of parathyroid carcinoma. Knowledge of these clinical characteristics could optimize the surgical management of GCM2-associated familial isolated hyperparathyroidism.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Germ-Line Mutation
  • Humans
  • Hyperparathyroidism, Primary / genetics*
  • Hyperparathyroidism, Primary / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics*
  • Parathyroid Glands / pathology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • GCM2 protein, human
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Transcription Factors

Supplementary concepts

  • Hyperparathyroidism 1