Which phrase summarizes the classic manifestations of hypercalcemia due to primary hyperparathyroidism?

Which phrase summarizes the classic manifestations of hypercalcemia due to primary hyperparathyroidism?

• A. Stones, bones, abdominal groans, psych moans
• B. Weight loss and heat intolerance
• C. Hypertension and edema
• D. Tetany and seizures

Answer: (A)

Hypercalcemia from overactive parathyroid tissue classically produces a set of symptoms described by the phrase “stones, bones, abdominal groans, psych moans.” Excess parathyroid hormone drives calcium up by increasing bone resorption, boosting kidney calcium reabsorption, and enhancing intestinal calcium absorption via active vitamin D. Stones come from kidney stones forming in the high-calcium urine, bones from painful bone resorption, groans from constipation and abdominal discomfort, and psych moans from mood and cognitive changes. Among the options, this phrase best captures the full classic picture of primary hyperparathyroidism. The other choices don’t fit: weight loss and heat intolerance point to hyperthyroidism; hypertension and edema are nonspecific; tetany and seizures reflect low calcium or acute severe disturbances rather than the typical hypercalcemic presentation.

Hypercalcemia from overactive parathyroid tissue classically produces a set of symptoms described by the phrase “stones, bones, abdominal groans, psych moans.” Excess parathyroid hormone drives calcium up by increasing bone resorption, boosting kidney calcium reabsorption, and enhancing intestinal calcium absorption via active vitamin D. Stones come from kidney stones forming in the high-calcium urine, bones from painful bone resorption, groans from constipation and abdominal discomfort, and psych moans from mood and cognitive changes. Among the options, this phrase best captures the full classic picture of primary hyperparathyroidism. The other choices don’t fit: weight loss and heat intolerance point to hyperthyroidism; hypertension and edema are nonspecific; tetany and seizures reflect low calcium or acute severe disturbances rather than the typical hypercalcemic presentation.