Imaging technologies in the differential diagnosis and follow-up of brown tumor in primary hyperparathyroidism: Case report and review of the literature

Brown tumors are osteolytic lesions associated with hyperparathyroidism (HPT). They may involve various skeletal segments, but rarely the cranio-facial bones. We report a case of a young boy with a swelling of the jaw secondary to a brown tumor presenting as the first manifestation of primary HPT (PHPT). He was found to have brown tumor located in the skull, as well. Different imaging technologies were employed for the diagnosis and follow-up after parathyroidectomy. We enclose a review of the literature on the employment of such imaging technologies in the differential diagnosis of osteolytic lesions. A multidisciplinary approach comprising clinical, laboratory and imaging findings is essential for the differential diagnosis of brown tumor in PHPT.

Automated summary

Brown tumors are osteolytic lesions associated with hyperparathyroidism, typically affecting various skeletal segments but rarely the cranio-facial bones. Different imaging technologies, such as CT and MRI, were used for diagnosis and follow-up. A multidisciplinary approach involving clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings is crucial for the differential diagnosis of brown tumors in primary hyperparathyroidism.