An initial evaluation of hypokalemia turned out distal renal tubular acidosis secondary to parathyroid adenoma

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) usually presents with hypercalcemia related symptoms and signs. Kidneys play an important role in calcium homeostasis. PHPT has been reported to be associated with hyperchloremia, defective urinary acidification, and renal tubular acidosis (RTA). The dysfunction of distal renal tubules is proposed to be secondary to calcium deposition in distal tubules. This case report highlights an initial presentation of parathyroid adenoma as hypokalemia due to distal RTA secondary to medullary nephrocalcinosis.