Asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism.

With the advent of automated equipment for blood chemistry determinations, many patients are presenting with asymptomatic or "biochemical" hyperparathyroidism. In the present series, of 136 patients operated on for hyperparathyroidism, fifty-three were considered asymptomatic. In fifty-one patients, parathyroid pathologic conditions were found; in one patient, it is probable that an adenoma had been missed, and in the other, it is presumed that an error in diagnosis was made. We recommend that surgical exploration be considered as an acceptable alternative to watchful waiting for patients with asymptomatic hyperparathyroidism.