A patient with gastrinoma in the setting of MEN1 is most likely to show which electrolyte abnormality due to associated parathyroid disease?

Prepare for the NBME Form 16 with our comprehensive quiz. Tackle multiple choice questions with insights and explanations. Enhance your confidence and accuracy for the exam!

Multiple Choice

A patient with gastrinoma in the setting of MEN1 is most likely to show which electrolyte abnormality due to associated parathyroid disease?

Explanation:
In MEN1, parathyroid involvement commonly causes primary hyperparathyroidism, where excess PTH raises calcium levels. PTH increases bone resorption, enhances renal calcium reabsorption, and promotes activation of vitamin D to boost intestinal calcium absorption, all driving hypercalcemia. The gastrinoma component is another MEN1 feature, but the electrolyte abnormality described here stems from the accompanying parathyroid disease, not the gastrinoma itself. Hypercalcemia fits best because it directly reflects elevated PTH, whereas the other options don’t align with parathyroid-driven calcium imbalance in this syndrome.

In MEN1, parathyroid involvement commonly causes primary hyperparathyroidism, where excess PTH raises calcium levels. PTH increases bone resorption, enhances renal calcium reabsorption, and promotes activation of vitamin D to boost intestinal calcium absorption, all driving hypercalcemia. The gastrinoma component is another MEN1 feature, but the electrolyte abnormality described here stems from the accompanying parathyroid disease, not the gastrinoma itself. Hypercalcemia fits best because it directly reflects elevated PTH, whereas the other options don’t align with parathyroid-driven calcium imbalance in this syndrome.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy