Acute presentation of a giant intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma: a case report

Primary exploration of cell-free DNA in the plasma of patients with parathyroid neoplasms using next-generation sequencing

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has been used to monitor gene mutations and diagnose tumors. Discriminating parathyroid carcinoma (PC) from parathyroid adenoma (PA) before surgery is difficult because of the overlap in clinical features between parathyroid neoplasms. We aimed to detect cfDNA mutations in plasma samples from PC and PA patients before surgery to predict the CDC73 status in tumor tissue and help in the differential diagnosis of parathyroid neoplasms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighteen PC patients and 13 PA patients were enrolled. Plasma cfDNA was detected using next-generation sequencing, with DNA from matched peripheral white blood cells used as a control. CDC73 gene mutations were detected via whole-exome sequencing or parafibromin staining via immunohistochemistry of tumor tissues. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the ability of cfDNA mutations to predict the CDC73 status in tumor tissue and for differential diagnosis. CDC73 gene mutation or parafibromin staining loss were defined as CDC73 abnormalities.

RESULTS

One PC patient was not tested for CDC73 abnormalities due to the absence of tumor specimen. CDC73 abnormalities were not detected in all 13 PA patients, whereas 10 PC patients harboured CDC73 abnormalities in tumor specimens (P = 0.001). Among the 10 patients, CDC73 mutations were identified in the cfDNA of 8 patients. In another 20 patients without CDC73 abnormalities in tumors, CDC73 mutation was detected in the cfDNA of 4 patients. Using the CDC73 status in cfDNA, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for predicting CDC73 abnormalities in tumor tissue was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.622-0.978), and the AUC for predicting malignancy was 0.795 (95% CI 0.632-0.958).

CONCLUSION

This study is the first attempt to evaluate the gene mutation status of parathyroid neoplasms through the deep sequencing of plasma cfDNA, which could also help to identify PC prior to surgery.

An exceptionally rare case of a giant parathyroid adenoma with carcinoma-like presentation

Giant parathyroid adenoma (GPA) is an extremely rare cause of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and may sometimes mimic parathyroid carcinoma (PC). Parathyroid carcinoma is also a very rare entity. Both preoperative and postoperative diagnosis of the two conditions remains a challenge. The purpose of this article is to present the diagnostic and therapeutic approach used for a 76-year-old female patient with a GPA measuring 5.4 × 2.3 cm, mimicking PC. The patient was referred to our clinic for the management of severe hypercalcemia revealed during the neurological evaluation of psychiatric and cognitive symptoms, confusion, weakness, and bone pain. PHPT was confirmed based on the patient's biochemical profile, which showed extremely high levels of serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Wholebody computed tomography revealed a large nodule below the inferior pole of the right lobe of the thyroid gland and no further pathology in other organs. En bloc resection of the tumor with removal of the ipsilateral hemithyroid and other involved tissues was performed. Histopathological evaluation was diagnostic for a GPA. Post-surgery hungry bone syndrome (HBS) developed and was treated. However, the patient succumbed 3 weeks later due to septic shock. GPA is an exceptionally rare endocrine tumor that should be suspected along with PC in patients with significantly elevated levels of PTH and calcium, and/or palpable neck mass. In our case, diagnosis was based principally on histopathological examination together with clinical presentation, biochemical profile, and imaging studies. Resection of the tumor remains the treatment of choice.

Management of Type III Intrathyroidal Parathyroid Adenomas By Enucleation: Case Report and Literature Review

Parathyroid adenoma is a common endocrine disorder, but its intrathyroid presentation is relatively rare. The traditional approach, such as thyroid blind lobectomy, is the most frequent modality of treatment due to the possible unclear localization of the adenoma in the preoperative workup. This increases the risk of unnecessary probability of hypothyroidism.  We report a case of a 48-year-old male patient who was referred to the endocrinology outpatient clinic due to elevated calcium (Ca) and elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, indicating primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Thyroid ultrasound (US) confirmed the presence of thyroid lobe nodule and the fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) revealed the presence of parathyroid cells. A thyroid scan with the single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT revealed a possible left inferior parathyroid adenoma. The patient underwent surgical excision of the left parathyroid adenoma by cervicotomy and thyroid lobe preservation with prompt normal PTH level recovery without complications. One year follow-up revealed no complications, and the patient's serum thyroid function, PTH, and Ca levels remained within the normal range. The management of type III intrathyroidal parathyroid adenomas (iT-PAs) by enucleation offers a viable alternative for selected PHPT patients. Advanced diagnostic imaging helps but is often not able to confirm exactly their location. Individualized surgical approaches contribute to successful outcomes while preserving thyroid tissue. The establishment of standardized guidelines is essential to optimize the management of iT-PAs and enhance patient care. We present a case of a type III iT-PA by enucleation preserving the thyroid tissues along with the analysis of the few cases previously reported.

Multiple fractures due to hungry bone syndrome following parathyroidectomy: a clinical case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Hungry bone syndrome (HBS) is defined as prolonged hypocalcemia caused by a sudden decrease in parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels after parathyroidectomy (PTX). Multiple fractures after PTX due to HBS in an end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patient on chronic hemodialysis (HD) are challenging and rare medical conditions presented in this study.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 42-year-old ESRD patient on HD 3 times a week presented to Shariati Hospital, Tehran, Iran, complaining of worsening bone pain and loss of appetite. Laboratory data revealed an intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) concentration of 2500 pg/mL, an alkaline phosphatase (Alp) level of 4340 IU/L, a phosphorus (P) level of 9 mg/dL, and a calcium (Ca) concentration of 7.2 mg/dL. Sestamibi scintigraphy revealed parathyroid adenoma. The findings suggested tertiary hyperparathyroidism (HPT-III), and the patient was scheduled for total PTX. Approximately one month after surgery, the patient was referred due to convulsions, leg mobility problems, and worsening bone pain. There was bilateral femoral ecchymosis. The Ca concentration was 5.8 mg/dL, and radiological evaluations revealed multiple skeletal fractures. HBS after PTX was suggested for this patient. After several days of hospitalization, he suffered subcutaneous emphysema followed by rib fractures and passed away.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple fractures after PTX due to HBS following HPT-III in ESRD patients are rare and demanding, highlighting the necessity of timely diagnosis and management of patients with HPT-III. Severe hypocalcemia following PTX can cause skeletal disorders. However, the surgical treatment of parathyroid adenomas may be more important than the risk of complications associated with bone health.

Spontaneous cervical hematoma caused by giant parathyroid adenoma in an elderly patient: A case report

Spontaneous cervical hematoma usually occurs as a consequence of extracapsular bleeding from a parathyroid gland, generally due to the presence of an adenoma (giant adenoma), glandular hyperplasia, cystic component, or, less frequently, due to the existence of a carcinoma. The hematoma can be confined to the cervical compartment or extend to the mediastinum, potentially causing airway compression. Despite this, the recommended management in hemodynamically stable patients consists of surveillance and hospital monitoring with delayed surgery after a few weeks. On the other hand, in those patients with airway compromise and instability, emergency surgery, consisting of cervicotomy and drainage, is mandatory. The present study describes the case of a 78-year-old patient with a medical history of high blood pressure, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, moderate aortic stenosis, chronic kidney disease and sarcoidosis under pharmacological treatment who attended the emergency department due to symptoms of neck pain, an increase in soft tissue, and dyspnea on moderate exertion with an evolution leading to respiratory failure. This was secondary to a diagnosis of spontaneous cervical hematoma that required urgent surgical intervention. The results of histopathological analysis revealed that a giant parathyroid adenoma was responsible for the bleeding. The patient had a complicated post-operative period with a prolonged admission to the intensive care unit.

Forestalling Hungry Bone Syndrome after Parathyroidectomy in Patients with Primary and Renal Hyperparathyroidism

Hungry bone syndrome (HBS), severe hypocalcemia following parathyroidectomy (PTX) due to rapid drop of PTH (parathormone) after a previous long term elevated concentration in primary (PHPT) or renal hyperparathyroidism (RHPT), impairs the outcome of underlying parathyroid disease.

OBJECTIVE

overview HBS following PTx according to a dual perspective: pre- and post-operative outcome in PHPT and RHPT. This is a case- and study-based narrative review.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

key research words "hungry bone syndrome" and "parathyroidectomy"; PubMed access; in extenso articles; publication timeline from Inception to April 2023.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

non-PTx-related HBS; hypoparathyroidism following PTx. We identified 120 original studies covering different levels of statistical evidence. We are not aware of a larger analysis on published cases concerning HBS (N = 14,349). PHPT: 14 studies (N = 1545 patients, maximum 425 participants per study), and 36 case reports (N = 37), a total of 1582 adults, aged between 20 and 72. Pediatric PHPT: 3 studies (N = 232, maximum of 182 participants per study), and 15 case reports (N = 19), a total of 251 patients, aged between 6 and 18. RHPT: 27 studies (N = 12,468 individuals, the largest cohort of 7171) and 25 case reports/series (N = 48), a total of 12,516 persons, aged between 23 and 74. HBS involves an early post-operatory (emergency) phase (EP) followed by a recovery phase (RP). EP is due to severe hypocalcemia with various clinical elements (<8.4 mg/dL) with non-low PTH (to be differentiated from hypoparathyroidism), starting with day 3 (1 to 7) with a 3-day duration (up to 30) requiring prompt intravenous calcium (Ca) intervention and vitamin D (VD) (mostly calcitriol) replacement. Hypophosphatemia and hypomagnesiemia may be found. RP: mildly/asymptomatic hypocalcemia controlled under oral Ca+VD for maximum 12 months (protracted HBS is up to 42 months). RHPT associates a higher risk of developing HBS as compared to PHPT. HBS prevalence varied from 15% to 25% up to 75-92% in RHPT, while in PHPT, mostly one out of five adults, respectively, one out of three children and teenagers might be affected (if any, depending on study). In PHPT, there were four clusters of HBS indicators. The first (mostly important) is represented by pre-operatory biochemistry and hormonal panel, especially, increased PTH and alkaline phosphatase (additional indicators were elevated blood urea nitrogen, and a high serum calcium). The second category is the clinical presentation: an older age for adults (yet, not all authors agree); particular skeleton involvement (level of case reports) such as brown tumors and osteitis fibrosa cystica; insufficient evidence for the patients with osteoporosis or those admitted for a parathyroid crisis. The third category involves parathyroid tumor features (increased weight and diameter; giant, atypical, carcinomas, some ectopic adenomas). The fourth category relates to the intra-operatory and early post-surgery management, meaning an associated thyroid surgery and, maybe, a prolonged PTx time (but this is still an open issue) increases the risk, as opposite to prompt recognition of HBS based on calcium (and PTH) assays and rapid intervention (specific interventional protocols are rather used in RHPT than in PHPT). Two important aspects are not clarified yet: the use of pre-operatory bisphosphonates and the role of 25-hydroxyitamin D assay as pointer of HBS. In RHPT, we mentioned three types of evidence. Firstly, risk factors for HBS with a solid level of statistical evidence: younger age at PTx, pre-operatory elevated bone alkaline phosphatase, and PTH, respectively, normal/low serum calcium. The second group includes active interventional (hospital-based) protocols that either reduce the rate or improve the severity of HBS, in addition to an adequate use of dialysis following PTx. The third category involves data with inconsistent evidence that might be the objective of future studies to a better understanding; for instance, longer pre-surgery dialysis duration, obesity, an elevated pre-operatory calcitonin, prior use of cinalcet, the co-presence of brown tumors, and osteitis fibrosa cystica as seen in PHPT. HBS remains a rare complication following PTx, yet extremely severe and with a certain level of predictability; thus, the importance of being adequately identified and managed. The pre-operatory spectrum of assessments is based on biochemistry and hormonal panel in addition to a specific (mostly severe) clinical presentation while the parathyroid tumor itself might provide useful insights as potential risk factors. Particularly in RHPT, prompt interventional protocols of electrolytes surveillance and replacement, despite not being yet a matter of a unified, HBS-specific guideline, prevent symptomatic hypocalcemia, reduce the hospitalization stay, and the re-admission rates.

Giant parathyroid adenoma: a case report

BACKGROUND

Giant parathyroid adenoma is a type of parathyroid adenoma weighing > 3.5 g and having a size of more than 2 cm.

CASE PRESENTATION

This report describes giant primary parathyroid adenoma with reference to the literature. We report the case of a 48-year-old Persian man referred to the clinic with knee and lower back pain. He had a history of mitral valve replacement and several episodes of bilateral nephrolithiasis. After a thorough assessment, a neck mass with a possible thyroid origin was detected, but further assessment showed it was of parathyroid origin. The resected mass was 9 × 6× 4 cm and weighed 122 g, and histopathology showed a giant parathyroid adenoma.

CONCLUSION

Giant parathyroid adenomas that weigh more than 110 g and are larger than 8 cm can lead to significant hypercalcemia. Despite giant parathyroid adenomas and high parathyroid hormone levels, a calcium crisis may not always occur in these patients, and the masses may be initially misdiagnosed as a thyroid mass.

Giant Parathyroid Adenoma-Associated Fracture, Not All Lytic Bone Lesions are Cancer: A Case-Based Review

Introduction. Due to the early diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism the musculoskeletal manifestations of this disease are becoming less frequent. When this disease manifests secondary to a giant adenoma, it presents with more aggressive symptoms and can have important repercussions such as the hungry bone syndrome after parathyroidectomy. There are few reported cases of hyperparathyroidism secondary to a giant adenoma in the literature, as the presence of a brown tumor is often misinterpreted as a metastatic lesion from an unknown primary tumor. Methods. We describe a case and performed a literature review to identify all case reports. A literature search was carried out on PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE bibliographic databases. All available studies from May 2009 to May 2021 were included. Data were tabulated, and outcomes were cumulatively analyzed. Results. Twenty-four cases of primary hyperparathyroidism due to giant adenoma have been described; the majority were women, with a mean age of 52 years. They presented with heterogeneous symptoms such as palpable nodules (45%), bone pain (33%), brown tumor (12.5%), asymptomatic (12.5%), metabolic profile with a mean calcemia of 13.8 mg/dL, PTH 1109 ng/L, and mean tumor weight of 47.24 g. Conclusion. Primary hyperparathyroidism due to giant adenoma increases the risk of developing potentially serious postoperative complications such as hungry bone syndrome. This implies the need of implementing preventive measures comprising administration of intravenous zoledronic acid and early supplementation of oral calcium to prevent complications after resection.

Giant parathyroid tumours in primary hyperparathyroidism: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Giant parathyroid adenoma (GPA) can present with severe biochemical derangement similar to the clinical presentation of parathyroid carcinoma (PC). This study aims to present the current evidence on surgical management of GPAs in primary hyperparathyroidism.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature on GPAs was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Data on clinical, biochemical, preoperative diagnostic, and surgical methods were analysed.

RESULTS

Sixty-one eligible studies were included reporting on 65 GPAs in eutopic, ectopic mediastinal, and intrathyroidal locations (61.5%, 30.8%, and 7.7%, respectively). A palpable neck mass was present in 58% of GPAs. A total of 90% of patients had symptoms including fatigue, skeletal pain, pathological fracture, nausea, and abdominal pain. Ninety percent of patients had significant hypercalcaemia (mean 3.51 mmol/L; range: 2.59-5.74 mmol/L) and hyperparathyroidism with PTH levels on average 14 times above the upper limit of the normal reference. There was no correlation between the reported GPA size and PTH nor between GPA weight and PTH (p = 0.892 and p = 0.363, respectively). Twenty-four percent had a concurrent thyroidectomy for suspicious features, intrathyroidal location of GPA, or large goitre. Immunohistochemistry such as Ki-67, parafibromin, and galectin-3 was used in 18.5% of cases with equivocal histology. Ninety-five percent of GPAs were benign with 5% reported as atypical adenomas.

CONCLUSION

The reported data on GPAs are sparse and heterogeneous. In GPAs with suspicious features for malignancy, en bloc resection with concurrent thyroidectomy may be considered. In the presence of equivocal histological features, ancillary immunohistochemistry is advocated to differentiate GPAs from atypical adenomas and PCs.

Primary hyperparathyroidism-related giant parathyroid adenoma (Review)

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), an endocrine condition caused by a parathyroid adenoma (PTA) in 80-85% of the cases, has shifted in the modern era to a mildly symptomatic phenotype due to the prompt recognition of hypercalcemia and to a minimally invasive surgical approach which has a curative potential. Clinical complications of PHTH are either related to high calcium or parathyroid hormone [also parathormone (PTH)] or both, while the originating tumor typically is small, without local mass effects. A distinct entity is represented by giant PTA (GPTA) which is considered at a weight of more than 3 (3.5) grams. The present article is a review of the literature involving practical points of non-syndromic PHPT-related GPTA. Most authors agree that pre-operatory calcium and PTH are higher in GPTA vs. non-GPTA. However, the clinical presentation of PHPT may be less severe, probably due to local mass effects that bring the patient to an early medical evaluation. Age distribution, sex ratio, rate of successful pre-operatory location do not differ from non-giant PTA. Hypovitaminosis D is more frequent in PTA of higher dimensions. Post-operative hypocalcemia, but not recurrent/persistent PHPT, is expected, even hungry bone disease. A higher rate of atypia is described although the tumor is mostly benign. Unusual presentations such as cystic transformation, initial diagnosis during pregnancy or auto-infarction have been reported. The ectopic localization of PTA presented in almost 15% of all cases may also be found in GPTA. What are the exact cutoffs for defining GPTA is still an open issue.

Water clear cell ectopic non-iatrogenic giant parathyroid adenoma in sternohyoid muscle with thyroid nodule and asymptomatic hypercalcemia due to primary hyperparathyroidism: Case report and literature review

Background

Ectopic parathyroid gland is not uncommon, and is associated with primary hyperparathyroidism. Giant parathyroid adenoma (PA) and concurrent presence of enlarged thyroid nodule increases the probability of ectopic location. The combination of a giant PA that is ectopic (within the strap muscle) in the neck is very rare, especially in cases with no previous surgery. The rare histopathological findings of the current case, water clear cell parathyroid adenoma (WCCPA), could explain the patient's presentation, since it has low endocrine function.

Case presentation

A 56-year-old Qatari female on routine visit to primary health care physician for hypertension, was incidentally discovered to be hypercalcemic and was referred to the emergency department of our institution. Neck ultrasound showed a thyroid nodule on the left side, but ^99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy identified a left PA. FNAC of the thyroid nodule showed that it was a colloid nodule. She underwent left hemithyroidectomy and excision of left PA. Intraoperatively, the PA was giant and in the sternohyoid muscle. Intraoperative monitoring of intact PTH (IOiPTH) confirmed successful excision.

Discussion

Ectopic giant parathyroid adenoma is rare especially with the intramuscular location in sternohyoid muscle in the neck without previous neck surgeries. The presence of thyroid nodule could be a precipitating factor for migration of the PA. Preoperative assessment with the radiological image is crucial for diagnosis but sometimes fail to localized the PA.

Conclusion

Giant asymptomatic PA with long standing low function before hyperfunctioning should raise the suspicion of WCCPA. If diagnosis is confirmed, metastasis from a clear cell renal cell carcinoma should be ruled out.

•

We report a unique rare case of non-iatrogenic ectopic giant water clear cell parathyroid adenoma (WCCPA)

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A parathyroid adenoma >3.5 gm, asymptomatic and with low function before hyperfunctioning, should raise suspicion of WCCPA.

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History, examination, ultrasound, sesta-MIBI scintigraphy and immunohistochemical studies are important for diagnosis.

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High preoperative parathyroid hormone and calcium need monitoring in post-operative period to avoid hypocalcemia.

Intraoperative detection of parathyroid glands by autofluorescence identification using image-based system: report of 15 cases

Background

A detection of parathyroid glands by the evaluation of their autofluorescence in the near-infrared spectrum is considered as a promising tool in addition to their visual verification. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of near-infrared autofluorescence application by using two different image-based systems for the identification of parathyroid glands during surgery of thyroid and parathyroid benign and malignant lesions.

Methods

Evaluation of near-infrared autofluorescence was performed in 15 patients by using two different image-based systems equipped with a near-infrared laser camera. Intravenous injection of fluorophore indocyanine green was used for the enhancement of near-infrared autofluorescence signal.

Results

Normal parathyroid glands were identified and mobilized after visual inspection in 12 (80%) patients, which was confirmed by near-infrared autofluorescence evaluation. Confident recognition of parathyroid glands by near-infrared autofluorescence signal and their subsequent distinction from lymph nodes was achieved in two (13%) patients with prior surgery for papillary thyroid carcinoma. In one (7%) case, parathyroid gland was identified as fragments of tissue within the postoperative scarring area by near-infrared autofluorescence evaluation, but not by visual inspection. A less intensive near-infrared autofluorescence signal was detected in the parathyroid gland owing to unintentional excision in one (7%) case. Better signal intensity from parathyroid glands was noticed after changes of the near-infrared camera in Fluobeam 800 image-based system in position to an angle of approximately 45–65° in relation to area of interest in all cases as compared with holding straight on the parathyroid gland. Fluobeam LX demonstrated a good near-infrared autofluorescence signal without any specific changes in the camera angle. Thyroid carcinoma demonstrated low-intensity signal in the case of invasion to thyroid capsule. No fluorescent signal was identified from metastatic, or from normal, lymph nodes.

Conclusions

The application of near-infrared autofluorescence imaging is considered as a useful, but additional, tool for the visual assessment of parathyroid gland in the case of primary neck exploration. The utility of near-infrared autofluorescence imaging for parathyroid detection is increased in the case of repeated surgical intervention owing to increased risk of unintentional parathyroid removal as well as for discrimination of parathyroids from the lymph nodes in cases of thyroid malignancy.

A Retrospective Study of Ultrasonography in the Investigation of Primary Hyperparathyroidism: A New Perspective for Ultrasound Echogenicity Features of Parathyroid Nodules

OBJECTIVE

To identify and understand parathyroid lesions of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) more accurately under ultrasound.

METHODS

This retrospective study involved 423 adult patients with PHPT with a single parathyroid nodule and positive parathyroid ultrasonography between 2018 and 2019. The clinical characteristics of the study patients and histopathologic sections were reviewed.

RESULTS

According to the main grayscale echogenicity features of parathyroid nodules, 423 cases were divided into groups: iso-hyperechogenicity solid (61/423), hypoechogenicity solid (304/423), and mixed-echogenicity cyst-solid (58/423) groups. Comparison among the 3 groups showed that the iso-hyperechogenicity group included more asymptomatic patients with PHPT and fewer patients with severe symptoms like bone fractures (P < .05). The mixed-echogenicity group showed higher median serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and serum calcium levels and larger lesion sizes (P < .05), and the iso-hyperechogenicity group showed the lowest median serum PTH level. No difference in lesion size was noted between the 2 solid groups, but the median serum PTH level in the hypoechogenicity group was higher than that in the iso-hyperechogenicity group (P < .05). According to histopathology, the hypoechogenic area of the samples may contain more functional components (chief cells), whereas the iso-hyperechogenic area has more nonfunctional components (eg, lipocytes and connective tissues).

CONCLUSION

The PHPT nodules distinguished by ultrasound echogenicity features showed different histopathologic components, reflected by different clinical characteristics of the patients with PHPT.

Ultrasound combined with biochemical parameters can be used to differentiate parathyroid carcinoma from benign tumors in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism

BACKGROUND

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) results from excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone from parathyroid tumors. Differentiating parathyroid tumors can be challenging before operation.

OBJECTIVES

To differentiate parathyroid carcinoma from benign tumors in patients with PHPT by the application of ultrasound and biochemical parameters.

METHODS

This study is a retrospective study. The study enrolled 17 patients with parathyroid carcinoma (PC) and 57 patients with parathyroid adenoma (PA), confirmed by postoperative pathology, between September 2010 and July 2017. This study retrospectively compared the ultrasonic features of the tumors included echotexture, maximum lesion diameter, shape, margin, blood flow inside the mass, intralesional calcifications, cysts in the mass, and biochemical parameters included serum calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels, gender distribution and age of patients between patients with PC and those with PA.

RESULTS

In the US images, the two groups showed significant differences in heterogeneity, the appearance of a taller-than-wide shape, irregular or lobulated margins, and intralesional calcifications (p < #x003C;< #x200A;0.05). However, no significant difference was found in echogenicity, maximum lesion diameter, blood flow, and cystic components of the mass (p > #x003E;> #x200A;0.05). The mean PTH levels were significantly different between the two groups (p < #x003C;< #x200A;0.05). The PC and PA patients did not differ significantly in terms of mean serum calcium, mean serum phosphorus, and mean ALP levels (p > #x003E;> #x200A;0.05). There were significant differences to distinguish PC from PA in calcifications in mass or/and taller-than-wide shape combine with PTH > #x003E;> #x200A;1000 pg/mL (p < #x003C;< #x200A;0.05). Significant difference existed in the age between the two groups (p < #x003C;< #x200A;0.001). No significant difference existed in the gender distribution between the two groups (p > #x003E;> #x200A;0.05).

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound features especially intralesional calcifications and taller-than-wide shape combine with an extremely high serum PTH (>1000 pg/mL) are helpful in differentiating between benign and parathyroid tumors in patients with PHPT.

Giant parathyroid adenoma presenting with a pathological left clavicular fracture: An extremely rare case report

INTRODUCTION

Parathyroid gland has a distinct physiologic and endocrinologic role in the body system. Primary hyperparathyroidism is the most common cause of hypercalcemia with a marked female dominance. It is characterized by hypercalcemia, hypophosphatemia and elevated parathyroid hormone. Parathyroid adenoma, parathyroid hyperplasia and parathyroid carcinoma form the differential diagnosis. Giant parathyroid adenomas are rarely symptomatic than non-giant parathyroid adenomas and parathyroid carcinoma.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 41 years old previously healthy male patient with undetectable surgical and familial history presenting with left clavicle fracture by mild trauma. He was diagnosed for primary hyperparathyroidism after the finding of multiple bony lesions and elevated serum calcium and Parathyroid hormone. Preoperative imaging aided in diagnosis of a parathyroid lesion and secondary bone resorption lesions (brown tumors). After adequate medical treatment and preparation, selective right lower parathyroidectomy was held, and the final pathology came with a giant parathyroid adenoma.

CONCLUSION

Primary hyperparathyroidism should be suspected when dealing with a hypercalcemic patient having osteolytic bony lesions. Distinguishing Parathyroid adenoma from carcinoma is a challenging and essential preoperative step in planning and surgical procedure.

Giant parathyroid adenoma: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Giant parathyroid adenoma is a rare type of parathyroid adenoma defined as weighing > 3.5 g. They present as primary hyperparathyroidism but with more elevated laboratory findings and more severe clinical presentations due to the larger tissue mass. This is the first reported case of giant parathyroid adenoma from the Middle East.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 52-year-old Indian woman presented with a palpable right-sided neck mass and generalized fatigue. Investigations revealed hypercalcemia with elevated parathyroid hormone and an asymptomatic kidney stone. Ultrasound showed a complex nodule with solid and cystic components, and Sestamibi nuclear scan confirmed a giant parathyroid adenoma. Focused surgical neck exploration was done and a giant parathyroid adenoma weighing 7.7 gm was excised.

CONCLUSIONS

Giant parathyroid adenoma is a rare cause of primary hyperparathyroidism and usually presents symptomatically with high calcium and parathyroid hormone levels. Giant parathyroid adenoma is diagnosed by imaging and laboratory studies. Management is typically surgical, aiming at complete resection. Patients usually recover with no long-term complications or recurrence.

A Rare Case of Primary Hyperparathyroidism Caused by a Giant Solitary Parathyroid Adenoma

Patient: Female, 73

Final Diagnosis: Primary hyperparathyroidism

Symptoms: Bone fractures • nephrolithiasis • palpable mass • weakness

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: Operation

Specialty: Surgery

The Clinical Features of Cystic Parathyroid Adenoma in Chinese Population: A Single-Center Experience

OBJECTIVE

Cystic parathyroid adenoma is a rare cause of primary hyperparathyroidism, but its preoperative diagnosis and management remain inconclusive.

METHOD

We retrospectively identified patients with cystic parathyroid adenomas who underwent surgery at Peking Union Medical College Hospital.

RESULTS

Patients with cystic parathyroid adenomas had higher serum intact parathyroid hormone and calcium levels, larger maximum tumor diameter, and lower serum inorganic phosphorus level than did those with solid adenomas. Patients with cystic adenomas were predominantly male, and hypercalcemic crisis and atypical adenomas were common. The accuracy of preoperative localization methodologies was lower in patients with cystic adenomas than in patients with solid adenomas. US-guided fine-needle aspiration was performed in 11 patients. In all patients, the iPTH level in cystic fluid was much higher than that in serum. No sign of recurrence was observed after a median follow-up of 39 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Cystic parathyroid adenomas may not be as rare as previously reported. FNA may be a safe and feasible localization methodology for patients with inconclusive preoperative localization methodologies. Close follow-up is necessary for patients with cystic parathyroid adenomas, which account for a substantial proportion of atypical adenoma cases.