Endocrinologic study has demonstrated a definite relation between the parathyroid glands and the metabolism of calcium in the skeletal body, which seems to have been first noted by Erdheim in 1903. Since then other observers, including Verbitz, Langhams, Schlagenhaufer, Gunther and Mandl, have reported cases to substantiate the direct influence of tumors and hyperplasia of the parathyroid glands in the causation of cystic bone disease as well as in less well defined bone demineralization. The case that we are reporting points to the possibility of cure of certain cystic diseases of bone by roentgen irradiation of the parathyroids, and no record of a similar case influenced by irradiation can be found in the literature.
A white woman, aged 34, unmarried, referred to the radiologic clinic by Dr. Bullock of Washington, D. C., was admitted to Garfield Hospital by ambulance, May 16, 1931. The family history was unessential. She had had