Erythema nodosum revealing parathyroid carcinoma

Introduction: Parathyroid carcinoma (PTC) is a rare parathyroid tumor. We report a case of PTC revealed by erythema nodosum (EN). Case study: A 53-year-old woman was admitted for EN exploration. Biology found hypercalcemia (3 mmol/L) and 184.89 ng/L parathormonemia. Histology following cervicotomy diagnosed PTC. Postoperative course was free of complications. At eight months' follow-up, there was no recurrence of EN. Discussion/conclusion: PCT is rare and life threatening. Paraneoplastic EN is rare, and has not previously been reported in association with PCT. Solid neoplasia and hemopathy should be systematically explored for in case of recurrent EN or resistance to conventional treatment. (C) 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.