Morphology, DNA ploidy and allele losses on chromosome 11 in sporadic hyperparathyroidism and that associated with multiple neoplasia, type 1

OBJECTIVE: To analyse different forms of hyperparathyroidism (for example, sporadic and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1)) by histopathology, DNA cytometry and by the presence of allele losses on chromosome 11, thereby identifying common characteristics.

MATERIAL: Enlarged glands from 26 patients with hyperparathyroidism (23 sporadic and 3 MEN 1). Cytometric assessment was made of 28 glands.

RESULTS: Nine patients had multiple gland disease and 15 had single gland disease (14 sporadic and 1 MEN 1). DNA cytometry showed that 18 (15 sporadic and all 3 MEN 1) were diploid, seven tetraploid, and two aneuploid. Two glands from one sporadic case showed different ploidy patterns. Seven patients with sporadic and all three with MEN 1 hyperparathyroidism had allele losses for chromosome 11 in the analysed glands.

CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in histopathological appearances, ploidy, or allele losses among abnormal glands from a variety of forms of hyperparathyroidism.