Recovery from metabolic bone disease in a girl with vitamin D deficiency rickets associated with primary hyperparathyroidism

We describe a 13 year-old Ethiopian girl with vitamin D deficiency rickets. Hypercalcemia, increased serum alkaline phosphatase and PTH levels, together with low serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 24,25- dihydroxyvitamin D suggested the co-existence of primary hyperparathyroidism. The surgical removal of a parathyroid adenoma led to bone healing and normalization of blood chemistry. We conclude that vitamin D deficiency masked the hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcemia, while excess PTH secretion delayed the cure of rickets until successful parathyroidectomy had been carried out.