Stones, Bones, Groans, and Psychic Moans: Primary Hyperparathyroidism Presenting as Surgical Emergency

Abstract

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is the third most common endocrine disorder after diabetes and thyroid disease. Most cases of hyperparathyroidism remain clinically silent. The clinical manifestations of hypercalcemia captured in the classic medical student mnemonic of "stones, bones, groans, and psychic moans" are often not found. Sometimes patients can present with unique complications. This case describes perforated peptic ulcer as the first presentation of primary hyperparathyroidism.