Skeletal Microstructure and Estimated Bone Strength Improve Following Parathyroidectomy in Primary Hyperparathyroidism

• Published in: The journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism Vol. 103; no. 1; pp. 196 - 205
• Main Authors: Cusano, Natalie E, Rubin, Mishaela R, Silva, Barbara C, Tay, Yu-Kwang Donovan, Williams, John M, Agarwal, Sanchita, Omeragic, Beatriz, Guo, X Edward, Bilezikian, John P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Copyright Oxford University Press 01.01.2018; Oxford University Press; Endocrine Society
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Bone Density; Bone mineral density; Bone strength; Cancellous bone; Clinical s; Cohort Studies; Computed tomography; Cortical bone; Female; Finite Element Analysis; Finite element method; Follow-Up Studies; Fractures; Fractures, Bone - prevention & control; Humans; Hyperparathyroidism; Hyperparathyroidism, Primary - diagnostic imaging; Hyperparathyroidism, Primary - pathology; Hyperparathyroidism, Primary - surgery; Male; Middle Aged; Parathyroidectomy; Prognosis; Radius; Tibia; Tomography, X-Ray Computed - methods
• DOI: 10.1210/jc.2017-01932
• ISSN: 0021-972X

High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HRpQCT) is a noninvasive imaging technology that can provide insight into skeletal microstructure and strength. In asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), HRpQCT imaging has demonstrated both decreased cortical and trabecular indices, consistent with evidence for increased fracture risk. There are limited data regarding changes in HRpQCT parameters postparathyroidectomy. To evaluate changes in skeletal microstructure by HRpQCT in subjects with PHPT after parathyroidectomy. We studied 29 subjects with PHPT (21 women, 8 men) with HRpQCT at baseline and 6, 12, 18, and 24 months postparathyroidectomy. Volumetric bone mineral density, microarchitectural indices, and finite element analysis at the distal radius and tibia. At both the radius and tibia, there were significant improvements in total, cortical, and trabecular volumetric bone density as early as 6 months postparathyroidectomy (24-month values for total volumetric bone density, radius: +2.8 ± 4%, tibia: +4.4 ± 4%; P < 0.0001 for both), cortical thickness (radius: +1.1 ± 2%, tibia: +2.0 ± 3%; P < 0.01 for both), and trabecular bone volume (radius: +3.8 ± 5%, tibia: +3.2 ± 4%; P < 0.0001 for both). At both sites, by finite element analysis, stiffness and failure load were improved starting at 6 months postparathyroidectomy (24-month values for failure load, radius: +6.2 ± 6%, tibia: +4.8 ± 7%; P < 0.0001 for both). These results provide information about skeletal microarchitecture in subjects with PHPT followed through 2 years after parathyroidectomy. Estimated bone strength is improved, consistent with data showing decreased fracture risk postparathyroidectomy.