Recurrent hyperparathyroidism and forearm parathyromatosis after total parathyroidectomy

The American Association of Endocrine Surgeons Guidelines for the Definitive Surgical Management of Secondary and Tertiary Renal Hyperparathyroidism

OBJECTIVE

To develop evidence-based recommendations for safe, effective, and appropriate treatment of secondary (SHPT) and tertiary (THPT) renal hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND

Hyperparathyroidism is common among patients with chronic kidney disease, end-stage kidney disease, and kidney transplant. The surgical management of SHPT and THPT is nuanced and requires a multidisciplinary approach. There are currently no clinical practice guidelines that address the surgical treatment of SHPT and THPT.

METHODS

Medical literature was reviewed from January 1, 1985 to present January 1, 2021 by a panel of 10 experts in SHPT and THPT. Recommendations using the best available evidence was constructed. The American College of Physicians grading system was used to determine levels of evidence. Recommendations were discussed to consensus. The American Association of Endocrine Surgeons membership reviewed and commented on preliminary drafts of the content.

RESULTS

These clinical guidelines present the epidemiology and pathophysiology of SHPT and THPT and provide recommendations for work-up and management of SHPT and THPT for all involved clinicians. It outlines the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management of SHPT and THPT, as well as related definitions, operative techniques, morbidity, and outcomes. Specific topics include Pathogenesis and Epidemiology, Initial Evaluation, Imaging, Preoperative and Perioperative Care, Surgical Planning and Parathyroidectomy, Adjuncts and Approaches, Outcomes, and Reoperation.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence-based guidelines were created to assist clinicians in the optimal management of secondary and tertiary renal hyperparathyroidism.

Use of 99mTc-sestamibi SPECT/CT imaging in predicting the degree of pathological hyperplasia of the parathyroid gland: semi-quantitative analysis

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated that ^99mTc-sestamibi (^99mTc-MIBI) Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography/ Computed Tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging is an effective isotopic technique for locating the parathyroid in secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). This study aimed to explore further the correlation between ^99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT imaging and SHPT to demonstrate the value of ^99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT in evaluating the degree of pathological hyperplasia of the parathyroid gland (PG).

Methods

The demographics, surgical records, and follow-up information of 91 patients were recorded and analyzed. A total of 216 paraffin-embedded PGs of 54 patients were obtained and analyzed.

Results

Patients with ^99mTc-MIBI negative PG(s) had significantly lower preoperative serum phosphorus and higher serum calcium levels at 6 months postoperatively compared to those with ^99mTc-MIBI positive PG(s) (P<0.05). We also found a higher total uptake ratio of the region of interest (URRI) and higher URRI max in the hypocalcemia group than in the non-hypocalcemia group. Both URRI total (P=0.003) and URRI max (P=0.028) were independent risk factors for hypocalcemia 6 months postoperatively. The URRI values of the PGs were significantly positively correlated with glandular weight (R²=0.343, P<0.001), glandular volume (R²=0.240, P<0.001), and degree of pathological hyperplasia (P<0.001). However, the URRI value of the PGs exhibited a notably weak correlation with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) (R²=0.035, P=0.006). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve showed a URRI evaluative value of 0.771 for diffuse and nodular types in 216 PGs (P<0.001). We further evaluated 167 nodular-type PGs, distinguishing between nodular hyperplasia and a single nodule; the URRI evaluative value reached 0.819, which was higher than the volume or weight (P<0.001).

Conclusions

The ^99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT scintigraphy results were related to serum calcium levels at 6 months after total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation (TPTX+AT), suggesting the occurrence of hypocalcemia (6 months after TPTX+AT). More importantly, this technique effectively evaluated the pathological hyperplasia of PGs preoperatively, and therefore, could assist surgeons in selecting the PGs with the lowest degree of hyperplasia intraoperatively.

Parathyroidectomy for patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism in a changing landscape for the management of end-stage renal disease

BACKGROUND

The landscape of patients with end-stage renal disease is changing with the increasing availability of kidney transplantation. In the near future, a less aggressive approach to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism might be beneficial. We report outcomes of parathyroidectomy for end-stage renal disease-related hyperparathyroidism comparing the outcomes of limited, subtotal, and total parathyroidectomy.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Patients were divided into 3 parathyroidectomy subgroups: limited (<3 glands removed), subtotal (3-3.5 glands), and total (4 glands) parathyroidectomy. Primary outcome was serum levels of parathyroid hormone. Secondary endpoints were serum levels of calcium, phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase, postoperative complications, and persistent or recurrent disease rates.

RESULTS

In total, 195 patients were included for analysis of whom 13.8% underwent limited parathyroidectomy, 46.7% subtotal parathyroidectomy, and 39.5% total parathyroidectomy. Preoperative parathyroid hormone levels (pg/mL) were 471 (210-868), 1,087 (627-1,795), and 1,070 (475-1,632) for the limited, subtotal, and total parathyroidectomy groups, respectively (P < .001). A decrease in serum parathyroid hormone was seen in all groups; however, postoperative levels remained greater in the limited parathyroidectomy group compared to the subtotal and total parathyroidectomy groups (P < .001). Serum calcium, phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase levels decreased in all groups to within the reference range. In the limited parathyroidectomy group, persistent disease and recurrence occurred more frequently (P = .02 and P = .07, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Subtotal parathyroidectomy is the optimal strategy in an era with an increasing availability of kidney transplantation and improved regimens of dialysis. In this changing practice, the approach to parathyroid surgery, however, might shift to a less aggressive and patient-tailored approach.

Subtotal parathyroidectomy versus total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation for secondary hyperparathyroidism: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The optimal surgical approach of parathyroidectomy for patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) has been controversial. The updated meta-analysis aimed to compare the effectiveness of subtotal parathyroidectomy (SPTX) versus total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation (TPTX + AT).

METHODS

A thorough systematic search was performed on the databases of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library to identify eligible studies. Data were extracted and pooled into a meta-analysis. The primary outcomes were the symptomatic improvement, radiological changes, hypocalcemia rate, the requirement for vitamin D analogues, time to recurrence, recurrence, persistence, and reoperation rates of SPTX versus TPTX + AT.

RESULTS

A total of 18 studies with 3656 patients (1864 patients in SPTX and 1792 patients in TPTX + AT group) were included, and 15 studies were included in quantitative synthesis. No significant difference was observed in symptomatic improvement (93.3%, 89.0%; P = 0.99), radiological changes (85.4%, 85.3%; P = 0.91), hypocalcemia rate (16.6%, 18.1%; P = 0.29), persistence rate (6.1%, 2.0%; P = 0.16), time to recurrence (mean difference 1.46; P = 0.87), recurrence rate (9.2%, 7.1%; P = 0.76), and reoperation rate (5.3%, 5.8%; P = 0.66) between SPTX and TPTX + AT groups. Longer operative time (150 vs. 120 min), prolonged in-hospital stay (5.0 vs. 4.1 days), lower 1-month serum calcium level, and higher requirement for vitamin D analogues at 12 months were significantly observed in patients who underwent TPTX + AT compared to SPTX.

CONCLUSIONS

The two surgical approaches were both effective at controlling SHPT in clinical and laboratory terms. However, most of the data shown were not statistically significant. It was acceptable that surgeons chose either SPTX or TPTX + AT for SHPT.

Unusual recurrent renal secondary hyperparathyroidism caused by hyperplastic autograft with supernumerary parathyroid adenoma: A case report

RATIONALE

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is often complicated with chronic renal failure. Though the total parathyroidectomy (TPTX) with forearm autotransplantation (FAT) has been commonly used to treatment refractory renal SHPT, the recurrence of SHPT is not infrequent, resulting from hyperplastic autograft, remnant parathyroid tissues, and supernumerary parathyroid gland (SPG).

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 67-year-old man undergoing TPTX+FAT 4 years previously for renal SHPT, who received regular hemodialysis with active vitamin D supplements of Rocaltrol treatment postoperatively, was admitted to our hospital with progressively elevated serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) from 176 to 1266 pg/mL for 8 months and bilateral ankle joints pain for 1 month. Tc-sestamibi dual-phase imaging with single positron emission tomography (SPECT)/computed tomography (CT) revealed a nodule in suprasternal fossa, besides a nodule in autografted site, accompanied with intense radioactivity.

DIAGNOSIS

Recurrent SHPT was easily diagnosed based on previous medical history, painful joints, increased serum iPTH level and positive findings of Tc-sestamibi imaging. Routine postoperative pathology showed that the nodules were consistent with an adenomatoid hyperplasic autograft and a supernumerary parathyroid adenoma in suprasternal fossa, respectively.

INTERVENTIONS

Reoperation for removing nodules in suprasternal fossa and autografted site was performed 1 month later. Then regular hemodialysis 3 times a week with Rocaltrol was continued.

OUTCOMES

During 12 months of follow-up, the joints pain improved obviously and the serum iPTH level ranged from 30.1 to 442 pg/mL.

LESSONS

Although rare, recurrent renal SHPT may be caused by a coexistence of both hyperfunctional autograft and SPG after TPTX+FAT. The Tc-sestamibi parathyroid imaging with SPECT/CT is helpful to locate the culprits of recurrent renal SHPT before reoperation. To prevent recurrence of renal SHPT, the present initial surgical procedures should be further optimized in patient on permanent hemodialysis.

Total parathyroidectomy versus total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation for secondary hyperparathyroidism: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Total parathyroidectomy (tPTX) and total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation (tPTX + AT) are effective and inexpensive treatments for secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT), but we do not know which one is the optimal approach. Therefore, we undertook a meta-analysis to compare the safety and efficacy of these two surgical procedures.

Methodology: Studies published in English on PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library from inception to 27 September 2016 were searched systematically. Eligible studies comparing tPTX with tPTX + AT for sHPT were included and Review Manager v5.3 was used.

Results: Eleven studies were included in this meta-analysis. Ten cohort studies and one randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 1108 patients with sHPT were identified. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of surgical complications (relative risk [RR], 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77–3.79; p = .19), all-cause mortality (RR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.33–1.39; p = .29), sHPT persistence (RR, 3.81; 95% CI, 0.56–25.95; p = .17) or symptomatic improvement (RR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.91–1.13; p = .79). tPTX could reduce the risk of sHPT recurrence (RR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.09–0.41; p < .0001) and reoperation because of recurrence or persistence of sHPT (RR, 0.46; 95% CI 0.24–0.86; p = .01) compared with tPTX + AT. Simultaneously, tPTX increased the risk of hypoparathyroidism (RR, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.06–6.51; p = .04).

Conclusions: We found tPTX and tPTX + AT to be useful methods for sHPT treatment. tPTX was superior for reducing the risk of sHPT recurrence and reoperation than tPTX + AT but, due to a lack of high statistical-power RCTs, comparative studies will be needed in the future.

Current and future treatments for parathyroid carcinoma

Parathyroid carcinoma (PC) is a rare disease and presents clinical challenges in diagnosis, management and adjuvant treatment. Rarely diagnosed preoperatively, PC is often discovered in the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism. PC is predominantly treated surgically with minimal additional treatments available. Given the rarity of the disease, current and future efforts, as discussed in this article, are focused on increasing preoperative diagnosis, recognizing genetic patterns and pathologic markers and delineating nonsurgical options for patients with advanced disease.

Recurrent primary hyperparathyroidism due to Type 1 parathyromatosis

Parathyromatosis is a rare condition consisting of multiple nodules of benign hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue scattered throughout the neck and superior mediastinum. As a potential cause of recurrent or persistent hyperparathyroidism, parathyromatosis is a challenging condition to diagnose and treat. The optimal evaluation and management of patients with parathyromatosis is not well established. The reported case involves a patient who was initially diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism. The diagnosis of Type 1 parathyromatosis was made after the patient developed recurrent hyperparathyroidism with hypercalcemia and osteoporosis 17 years after the initial operation and underwent two additional operations. The majority of parathyromatosis cases are diagnosed in the setting of secondary hyperparathyroidism. Consensus regarding the preoperative diagnosis and evaluation is lacking due to the paucity of cases of this rare clinical entity. Management involves complete surgical extirpation of all identifiable rests of parathyroid tissue. Intra-operative parathyroid hormone level monitoring and frozen section examination are excellent tools that could increase the rates of initial operative success. Despite this, long-term disease remission is rare, and medical therapy, including calcimimetics and bisphosphonates, may be required for postoperative or non-operative management.

Predicting postoperative total calcium requirements after parathyroidectomy in secondary hyperparathyroidism

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To prevent hypocalcemia after parathyroidectomy (PTX), parenteral calcium is required in addition to oral calcitriol and calcium. After switching to oral calcium, patients can be discharged from the hospital. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of PTX performed at a single Korean center and to investigate the associated laboratory factors used to analyze the total amount of postoperative calcium required.

METHODS

We enrolled 91 hemodialysis patients undergoing PTX from November 2003 to December 2011. We collected clinical and laboratory data preoperatively, 12 and 48 hours postoperatively, at discharge, and 3 and 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

In total, 59 patients underwent PTX with autotransplantation (AT), 6 underwent total PTX without AT, 11 underwent subtotal PTX, and 15 underwent limited PTX. Total PTX without AT showed the lowest recurrence rate. At all postoperative time points, the mean levels of serum calcium, phosphorus, and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) decreased significantly, compared with preoperative levels; however, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) increased significantly from 48 hours postoperatively to discharge (p < 0.001). On multiple linear regression analysis, the total amount of injected calcium during hospitalization showed a significant correlation with preoperative ALP (p < 0.001), preoperative iPTH (p = 0.037), and Δphosphorus at 48 hours (p < 0.001). We developed an equation for estimating the total calcium requirement after PTX.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative ALP, preoperative iPTH, and Δphosphorus at 48 hours may be significant factors in estimating the postoperative calcium requirement. The formula for postoperative calcium requirement after PTX may help to predict the duration of postoperative hospitalization.

A randomized, prospective trial of operative treatments for hyperparathyroidism in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1

BACKGROUND

Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) in multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 1 is associated with multiglandular parathyroid disease. Previous retrospective studies comparing subtotal parathyroidectomy (SP) and total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation (TP/AT) have not established clearly better outcomes with either procedure.

METHODS

Patients were assigned randomly to either SP or TP/AT and data were collected prospectively. The rates of persistent HPT, recurrent HPT, and postoperative hypoparathyroidism were compared.

RESULTS

The study cohort included 32 patients randomized to receive either SP or TP/AT (mean follow-up, 7.5 ± 5.7 years). The overall rate of recurrent HPT was 19% (6/32). Recurrent HPT occurred in 4 of 17 patients (24%) treated with SP and 2 of 15 patients (13%) treated with TP/AT (P = .66). Permanent hypoparathyroidism occurred in 3 of 32 patients (9%) overall. The rate of permanent hypoparathyroidism was 12% in the SP group (2/17) and 7% in the TP/AT group (1/15). A second operation was performed in 4 of 17 patients initially treated with SP (24%), compared with 1 of 15 patients undergoing TP/AT (7%; P = .34).

CONCLUSION

This randomized trial of SP and TP/AT in patients with MEN 1 failed to show any difference in outcomes when comparing results of SP versus TP/AT. Both procedures are associated with acceptable results, but SP may have advantages in that is involves only 1 surgical incision and avoids an obligate period of transient postoperative hypoparathyroidism.

Parathyromatosis: a rare yet problematic etiology of recurrent and persistent hyperparathyroidism

Recurrent or persistent hyperparathyroidism is an uncommon yet challenging clinical problem, and parathyromatosis is one of its very rare causes. In this minireview, we review causes of recurrent hyperparathyroidism and all cases of parathyromatosis available in the literature. The clinical course of a case of parathyromatosis with the longest follow-up (1977-2011) is described. Similar cases reported between 1975 and the present are reviewed and analyzed to characterize the clinical presentation, course, and management of this rare condition. Parathyromatosis, which is benign parathyroid tissue seeding, has been detailed in 35 patients in the English literature. The majority were female subjects, with end-stage renal disease, in their fifth to sixth decade of life. In most cases, the diagnosis was made intraoperatively; and the condition was often refractory to surgery. A calcimimetic agent was used in 5 cases with end-stage renal disease; serum calcium and/or parathyroid hormone levels decreased in 4 subjects, but only one was reported to experience increments in bone density. Medical management combining a calcimimetic with a bisphosphonate may therefore be a preferred alternative.

Bone turnover markers predict changes in bone mineral density after parathyroidectomy in patients with renal hyperparathyroidism

OBJECTIVE

Patients on long-term dialysis may develop secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), which causes varying degrees of bone mass loss. This condition is treated with parathyroidectomy (PTX). We investigated whether serial serum bone turnover markers could predict changes in bone mineral density (BMD) after PTX.

DESIGN AND PATIENTS

Renal patients on maintenance haemodialysis who received PTX for refractory SHPT (n = 26, male/female: 13/13; mean age: 48·6 ± 10·7 year) and control subjects without SHPT (n = 25) were prospectively followed for 1 year at two tertiary hospitals in Taiwan.

MEASUREMENTS

Serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) and type 5b tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) were measured serially. Additionally, femoral neck (FN) and lumbar spine (LS) BMD were measured before and 1 year after PTX.

RESULTS

After PTX, iPTH levels decreased markedly and persistently. BMDs increased in both the FN and LS, but particularly in the LS. Serum BAP progressively increased to a peak at 2 weeks after PTX. Serum TRAP levels progressively decreased over 6 months after PTX. In univariate correlation analyses, baseline iPTH correlated positively with T-score changes in FN (r = 0·45, P = 0·021) and LS (r = 0·48, P = 0·013). In multivariate regression models, changes in FN T-scores were negatively predicted by baseline BAP levels (r = -0·615, P = 0·005) and baseline FN T-scores (r = -0·563, P = 0·012), and they were positively predicted by baseline TRAP(r = 0·6, P =  0·007). Changes in LS T-scores were positively predicted by baseline TRAP values (r = 0·528, P = 0·01) and negatively predicted by the percentage change in BAP after 2 weeks (r = -0·501, P = 0·015).

CONCLUSIONS

Parathyroidectomy provided marked, sustained improvements in BMD for up to 1 year. Furthermore, markers of bone turnover predicted 1-year changes in FN and LS BMDs after PTX.

The surgical management of renal hyperparathyroidism

Secondary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) develop in patients with renal failure due to a variety of mechanisms including increased phosphorus and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), and decreased calcium and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D levels. Patients present with various bone disorders, cardiovascular disease, and typical laboratory abnormalities. Medical treatment consists of controlling hyperphosphatemia, vitamin D/analog and calcium administration, and calcimimetic agents. Improved medical therapies have led to a decrease in the use of parathyroidectomy (PTX). The surgical indications include parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels >800 pg/ml associated with hypercalcemia and/or hyperphosphatemia despite medical therapy. Other indications include calciphylaxis, fractures, bone pain or pruritis. Transplant recipients often show decreased PTH, calcium and phosphorus levels, but some will have persistent HPT. Evidence suggests that PTX may cause deterioration in renal graft function in the short-term calling into the question the indications for PTX in these patients. Pre-operative imaging is only occasionally helpful except in re-operative PTX. Operative approaches include subtotal PTX, total PTX with or without autotransplantation, and possible thymectomy. Each approach has its proponents, advantages and disadvantages which are discussed. Intraoperative PTH monitoring has a high positive predictive value of cure but a poor negative predictive value and therefore is of limited utility. Hypocalcemia is the most common complication requiring aggressive calcium administration. Benefits of surgery may include improved survival, bone mineral density and alleviation of symptoms.