Biochemical Evidence Of Primary Hyperparathyroidism Research Articles

Opportunities to improve the diagnosis and treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism: retrospective cohort study.

Although primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is readily diagnosed biochemically and can be cured with low-risk surgery, it is often underrecognized and undertreated. Our objectives were to characterize, within our health system, how often patients with hypercalcemia were evaluated for PHPT and how often patients with PHPT underwent definitive treatment with parathyroidectomy. Ambulatory patients aged 18 years or older seen at our health system between January 2018 and June 2023 with chronic hypercalcemia were identified from the medical record. After excluding causes of secondary hyperparathyroidism, the proportion of patients with parathyroid hormone (PTH) tests was calculated. Among patients with biochemical evidence of PHPT, the proportion of patients who underwent parathyroidectomy was calculated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with an evaluation for PHPT and, separately, with parathyroidectomy. Of 7,675 patients with chronic hypercalcemia, 3,323 (43.3%) had a PTH test obtained within 6 months. An age between 40-49 vs. <30 years [(odds ratio (OR) =3.2; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.8-5.6; P<0.001], a serum calcium level between 11.6-12.0 vs. <11.0 mg/dL (OR =3.9; 95% CI: 3.2-4.7; P<0.001), and osteoporosis (OR =3.1; 95% CI: 2.7-3.5; P<0.001) were associated with an evaluation for PHPT. Among those with PTH levels, 1,327 (39.9%) had PHPT but only 916 (69.0%) were recognized. Three hundred and forty-five (26.0%) patients with PHPT underwent parathyroidectomy. An increasing number of surgical indications was associated with parathyroidectomy (P<0.001), though overall rates remained less than 40%. Among indications for surgery, including age and serum total calcium level, only osteoporosis was associated with parathyroidectomy (OR =2.0; 95% CI: 1.4-2.8; P<0.001). In this study, more than half of patients with chronic hypercalcemia were not evaluated for PHPT. Among patients with biochemical evidence of PHPT, one-third were unrecognized and only one-in-four received curative treatment. Opportunities to improve the management of PHPT exist within our large integrated health system.

Association of patient-practitioner sex concordance with specialist referral in primary hyperparathyroidism

BackgroundPrior research has demonstrated barriers to the workup and management of primary hyperparathyroidism. As recent data have suggested that patient and practitioner sex concordance is associated with lower surgical complications, we sought to evaluate the effect of sex concordance on referral for primary hyperparathyroidism. MethodsWe queried an institutional database for patients with first-incident hypercalcemia and subsequent biochemical evidence of primary hyperparathyroidism between 2010 and 2018. Primary care practitioner and endocrinologist sex, laboratory values, and complications of primary hyperparathyroidism were collected. Sex concordance (male patient/male practitioner or female patient/female practitioner) was evaluated as a binary predictor of specialist evaluation using logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards modeling. ResultsAmong 1,100 patients, mean age was 62.5 (standard deviation 13.6), and 74% were female sex. Primary care practitioner sex was 52% female, and 63% of patients had sex concordance with their primary care practitioner. Endocrinologist sex was 59% female, and 45% of patients had sex concordance with their endocrinologist. Patients with sex concordance with their primary care practitioner (70 vs 80%, P = .001) and endocrinologist (71 vs 82%, P < .001) were less likely to be female sex compared to those with discordance. After adjusting for demographics and clinical covariates, those patients with primary care practitioner sex concordance had 32% higher odds of endocrinologist evaluation (odds ratio 1.32, 95% confidence interval 1.003–1.734, P = .047). Similarly, those patients with endocrinologist sex concordance had a 48% higher rate of surgeon evaluation (hazard ratio 1.48, confidence interval 1.1–2.0, P = .009). Stratified analysis revealed that sex discordance reduced the rate of surgeon referral for female patients (hazard ratio 0.63, confidence interval 0.44–0.89, P = .008) but not male patients (hazard ratio 1.06, CI 0.58–1.93, P = .861). ConclusionSex discordance between patients and their health care professionals may contribute to under-referral in primary hyperparathyroidism. Further evaluation of the effect of patient and practitioner identities on communication and decision-making in surgery are needed.

Accuracy of 18F-Fluorocholine PET for the Detection of Parathyroid Adenomas: Prospective Single-Center Study.

The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the correct localization rate (CLR) of 18F-fluorocholine PET for the detection of parathyroid adenomas in comparison to 99mTc-sestamibi imaging. Methods: This was a single-arm prospective trial. Ninety-eight patients with biochemical evidence of primary hyperparathyroidism were imaged before parathyroidectomy using 18F-fluorocholine PET/MRI. 99mTc-sestamibi imaging performed separately from the study was evaluated for comparison. The primary endpoint of the study was the CLR on a patient level. Each imaging study was interpreted by 3 masked readers on a per-region basis. Lesions were validated by histopathologic analysis of surgical specimens. Results: Of the 98 patients who underwent 18F-fluorocholine PET, 77 subsequently underwent parathyroidectomy and 60 of those had 99mTc-sestamibi imaging. For 18F-fluorocholine PET in patients who underwent parathyroidectomy, the CLR based on the masked reader consensus was 75% (95% CI, 0.63-0.82). In patients who underwent surgery and had an available 99mTc-sestamibi study, the CLR increased from 17% (95% CI, 0.10-0.27) for 99mTc-sestamibi imaging to 70% (95% CI, 0.59-0.79) for 18F-fluorocholine PET. Conclusion: In this prospective study using masked readers, the CLR for 18F-fluorocholine PET was 75%. In patients with a paired 99mTc-sestamibi study, the use of 18F-fluorocholine PET increased the CLR from 17% to 70%. 18F-fluorocholine PET is a superior imaging modality for the localization of parathyroid adenomas.

Analysis of Primary Hyperparathyroidism Screening Among US Veterans With Kidney Stones

Approximately 3% to 5% of patients with kidney stones have primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), a treatable cause of recurrent stones. However, the rate of screening for PHPT in patients with kidney stones remains unknown. To estimate the prevalence of parathyroid hormone (PTH) testing in veterans with kidney stones and hypercalcemia and to identify the demographic, geographic, and clinical characteristics of veterans who were more or less likely to receive PTH testing. This cohort study obtained Veterans Health Administration (VHA) health records from the Corporate Data Warehouse for veterans who received care in 1 of the 130 VHA facilities across the United States from January 1, 2008, through December 31, 2013. Historical encounters, medical codes, and laboratory data were assessed. Included patients had diagnostic or procedural codes for kidney or ureteral stones, and excluded patients were those with a previous serum PTH level measurement. Data were collected from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2014. Data analysis was conducted from June 1, 2019, to January 31, 2020. Elevated serum calcium concentration measurement between 6 months before and 6 months after kidney stone diagnosis. Proportion of patients with a serum PTH level measurement and proportion of patients with biochemical evidence of PHPT who underwent parathyroidectomy. The final cohort comprised 7561 patients with kidney stones and hypercalcemia and a mean (SD) age of 64.3 (12.3) years. Of these patients, 7139 were men (94.4%) and 5673 were white individuals (75.0%). The proportion of patients who completed a serum PTH level measurement was 24.8% (1873 of 7561). Across the 130 VHA facilities included in the study, testing rates ranged from 4% to 57%. The factors associated with PTH testing included the magnitude of calcium concentration elevation (odds ratio [OR], 1.07 per 0.1 mg/dL >10.5 mg/dL; 95% CI, 1.05-1.08) and the number of elevated serum calcium concentration measurements (OR, 1.08 per measurement >10.5 mg/dL; 95% CI, 1.06-1.10) as well as visits to both a nephrologist and a urologist (OR, 6.57; 95% CI, 5.33-8.10) or an endocrinologist (OR, 4.93; 95% CI, 4.11-5.93). Of the 717 patients with biochemical evidence of PHPT, 189 (26.4%) underwent parathyroidectomy within 2 years of a stone diagnosis. This cohort study found that only 1 in 4 patients with kidney stones and hypercalcemia were tested for PHPT in VHA facilities and that testing rates varied widely across these facilities. These findings suggest that raising clinician awareness to PHPT screening indications may improve evaluation for parathyroidectomy, increase the rates of detection and treatment of PHPT, and decrease recurrent kidney stone disease.

Diagnosis and Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism Across the Veterans Affairs Health Care System

Untreated primary hyperparathyroidism impairs quality of life and incurs substantial costs. Parathyroidectomy is a low-risk, high-success, definitive intervention. To determine the appropriateness of diagnostic evaluation for primary hyperparathyroidism in patients with hypercalcemia and the use of parathyroidectomy for the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism across the Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system. A retrospective cohort study of veterans with hypercalcemia and primary hyperparathyroidism was conducted from January 1, 2000, through September 30, 2015, using the VA Corporate Data Warehouse, a national electronic health record-based repository. The study included 371 370 veterans with chronic hypercalcemia and 47 158 veterans with biochemical evidence of primary hyperparathyroidism diagnosed by hypercalcemia, elevated serum parathyroid hormone levels, and near-normal serum creatinine levels. Statistical analysis was performed from April 21, 2017, to April 10, 2019. The proportion of veterans with hypercalcemia who have parathyroid hormone levels evaluated, the proportion of veterans with hyperparathyroidism who are treated surgically, and the factors associated with parathyroidectomy using generalized linear latent and mixed model regression. Of 371 370 patients with chronic hypercalcemia, 86 887 (23.4%) received further testing with parathyroid hormone level. Of 47 158 patients meeting diagnostic criteria for primary hyperparathyroidism (42 737 men [90.6%] and 4421 women [9.4%]; mean [SD] age, 67.3 [11.8] years), 6048 (12.8%) underwent parathyroidectomy. Of 5793 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism presenting with a serum calcium level more than 1 mg/dL above the upper limit of normal, 1501 (25.9%) underwent parathyroidectomy. There was a decreasing trend in the use of parathyroidectomy over time. Factors positively associated with parathyroidectomy were nephrolithiasis (odds ratio [OR], 2.23; 95% CI, 1.90-2.61) and non-Hispanic white race/ethnicity (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.17-1.46), while age (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.95-0.96), Elixhauser Comorbidity Index score (OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.72-0.80), decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.45-0.60), and diagnosis of osteoporosis (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.52-0.80) were inversely related to surgery. From this study's findings, parathyroid hormone level is infrequently tested in patients with hypercalcemia, suggesting underdiagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism. Patients meeting diagnostic criteria for primary hyperparathyroidism are undertreated with recommended parathyroidectomy. Similar gaps have previously been observed in non-VA care of primary hyperparathyroidism, suggesting the need for a systematic evaluation of barriers to diagnosis and treatment that informs intervention design.

Evaluation of Bone Mineral Density in Subjects with Primary Hyperparathyroidism by Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Objective:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;Bone loss is a major complication of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), and the extent of bone loss is an important factor for parathyroidectomy. Studies focused on this issue of bone loss in subjects with PHPT are quite rare in our country. This study will help the physicians to take proper action by giving an exact reflection of bone condition in subjects with PHPT. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bone condition by measuring Bone Mineral Density (BMD), in subjects with PHPT using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) and compare these findings with individuals without PHPT.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Patients and Methods:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;It was an analytic cross sectional study (group comparison) carried out at National Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (NINMAS) BSMMU campus, Dhaka from July 2015-December 2016. Subjects of PHPT diagnosed by biochemical evaluation (increased serum calcium and parathyroid hormone concentrations), between age ranges 15-45 years were selected as group-A. Individuals without biochemical evidence of PHPT or other major illness causing bone loss were selected as comparison group or as group-B. The subjects underwent BMD test by DEXA at lumbar spines from L1-L4 vertebra and the left femoral neck using Norland XR-46 densitometer. BMD was classified according to WHO criteria. Data presented on categorical form were analyzed using chi-squared test. While the data presented on continuous scale were analyzed using student’s t-test. In each analysis, level of significance was 5% and P value &amp;lt;0.05 was considered significant. Data were processed and analyzed with the help of computer software SPSS, version 20.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Results:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;Total number of 90 subjects were selected for this study, 45 subjects with PHPT were in group-A and equal number of subjects without PHPT were in group-B. The findings derived from data analysis showed, a significantly more male participants in group-A. The mean age of group-A and group-B was 37.24 ± 8.03 years and 38.20 ± 5.74 years respectively. Mean BMI of group-A was 25.10 ± 4.35 kg/m&lt;sup&gt;2 &lt;/sup&gt;in compare to 29.43 ± 5.17 kg/m&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; in group-B. Higher BMI was noted in both groups. PHPT subjects with high BMI had low BMD. BMD expressed in absolute value (gm/cm&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;) and T score. BMD was significantly low in group-A (with PHPT) than in group-B (without PHPT), (p&amp;lt;0.0001). In group-A, prevalence of low BMD was 62.2% (osteopenia 37.8% and osteoporosis 24.4%) at lumbar spine and 84.5% (osteopenia 35.6% and osteoporosis 48.9%) at femoral neck. PHPT subjects had significant difference in both T score and BMD between lumbar spine and femoral neck.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is shown to be associated with significantly reduced BMD especially at femoral neck. Thus, an increased fracture risk should consider if it is left untreated.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Bangladesh J. Nuclear Med. 20(2): 129-135, July 2017&lt;/p&gt;

18F-Fluorocholine PET/CT in the assessment of primary hyperparathyroidism compared with 99mTc-MIBI or 99mTc-tetrofosmin SPECT/CT: a prospective dual-centre study in 100 patients

PurposeIn this prospective study we compared the accuracy of 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT with that of 99mTc-MIBI or99mTc-tetrofosmin SPECT/CT in the preoperative detection of parathyroid adenoma in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. We also assessed the value of semiquantitative parameters in differentiating between parathyroid hyperplasia and adenoma.MethodsBoth 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT and 99mTc-MIBI/tetrofosmin SPECT/CT were performed in 100 consecutive patients with biochemical evidence of primary hyperparathyroidism. At least one abnormal focus on either 18F-fluorocholine or 99mTc-MIBI/tetrofosmin corresponding to a parathyroid gland or ectopic parathyroid tissue was considered as a positive finding. In 76 patients with positive findings on at least one imaging modality, surgical exploration was performed within 6 months, and the results were related to histopathological findings and clinical and laboratory findings at 3–6 months as the standard of truth. In 24 patients, no surgery was performed: in 18 patients with positive imaging findings surgery was refused or considered risky, and in 6 patients imaging was negative. Therefore, data from 82 patients (76 undergoing surgery, 6 without surgery) in whom the standard of truth criteria were met, were used in the final analysis.ResultsAll patients showed biochemical evidence of primary hyperparathyroidism with a mean serum calcium level of 2.78 ± 0.34 mmol/l and parathormone (PTH) level of 196.5 ± 236.4 pg/ml. The study results in 76 patients with verified histopathology and 3 patients with negative imaging findings were analysed. Three of six patients with negative imaging showed normalized serum PTH and calcium levels on laboratory follow-up at 3 and 6 months, and the results were considered true negative. In a patient-based analysis, the detection rate with 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT was 93% (76/82), but was only 61% (50/82) with 99mTc-MIBI/tetrofosmin SPECT/CT. In a lesion-based analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and overall accuracy of 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT in the detection of parathyroid adenoma were 93.7%, 96.0%, 90.2%, 97.4% and 95.3%, respectively, and of 99mTc-MIBI/tetrofosmin SPECT/CT were 60.8%, 98.5%, 94.1%, 86.3% and 87.7%, respectively. Although 18F-fluorocholine PET-positive adenomatous lesions showed higher SUVmax values than the hyperplastic glands (6.80 ± 3.78 vs. 4.53 ± 0.40) in the semiquantitative analysis, the difference was not significant (p = 0.236). The mean size (measured as the length of the greatest dimension) and weight of adenomas were 15.9 ± 7.6 mm (median 15 mm, range 1–40 mm) and 1.71 ± 1.86 g (median 1 g, range: 0.25–9 g), respectively. Among the analysed parameters including serum calcium and PTH and the size and weight of parathyroid adenomas, size was significantly different between patients with negative 99mTc-MIBI/tetrofosmin SPECT/CT and those with positive 99mTc-MIBI/tetrofosmin SPECT/CT (mean size 13.4 ± 7.6 mm vs. 16.9 ± 7.4 mm, respectively; p = 0.042).ConclusionIn this prospective study, 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT showed promise as a functional imaging modality, being clearly superior to 99mTc-MIBI/tetrofosmin SPECT/CT, especially in the detection and localization of small parathyroid adenomas in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. SUVmax was higher in parathyroid adenomas than in hyperplasia. However, further evaluation of this modality is needed.

Single phase computed tomography is equivalent to dual phase method for localizing hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism: a retrospective review.

ObjectiveThis study aims to compare the sensitivity of dual phase (non-contrast and arterial) versus single phase (arterial) CT for detection of hyper-functioning parathyroid glands in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.MethodsThe CT scans of thirty-two patients who have biochemical evidence of primary hyperparathyroidism, pathologically proven parathyroid adenomas, and pre-operative multiphase parathyroid imaging were evaluated retrospectively in order to compare the adequacy of single phase vs. dual phase CT scans for the detection of parathyroid adenomas.ResultsThe parathyroid adenomas were localized in 83% of cases on single arterial phase CT and 80% of cases on dual phase CT. The specificity for localization of parathyroid tumor was 96% for single phase CT and 97% for dual phase CT. The results were not significantly different (p = 0.695). These results are similar to those found in the literature for multiphase CT of 55–94%.ConclusionsOur study supports the use of a single arterial phase CT for the detection of hyperfunctioning parathyroid adenomas. Advances in knowledge: a single arterial phase CT has similar sensitivity for localizing parathyroid adenomas as dual phase CT and significantly reduces radiation dose to the patient.

MIBI SPECT Scan and Ultrasonography in Preoperative Imaging of Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Objectives: In patients who have parathyroid adenoma, combination of ultrasonography and technetium Tc 99m sestamethoxyisobutylisonitrile scan (also called sestamibi or MIBI scan), which allows anatomic and functional information about parathyroid adenomas, is used commonly to maximize operative cure. The sensitivity of MIBI scan may be increased by adding single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and computed tomography (CT) as a combined MIBI-SPECT CT scan. We assessed the accuracy of ultrasonography and parathyroid MIBISPECT scan in detecting parathyroid adenoma and evaluated the potential benefit of the combined protocol of ultrasonography and MIBI-SPECT parathyroid scan. Methods: In 58 patients who had biochemical evidence of primary hyperparathyroidism, we retrospectively reviewed the preoperative ultrasonography and MIBI-SPECT scans. The results of these studies were correlated with surgical findings. Results: In the 58 patients, surgery showed that 43 patients (74%) had solitary parathyroid adenoma. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of MIBI-SPECT for parathyroid adenoma was (72%,80%,74%) and for ultrasonography (53%,60%,55%) respectively. The highest sensitivity is noted with the combination of MIBI-SPECT and ultrasonography (79%), . 9 adenomas (21%) were missed by both modalities. In the 20 adenomas that were missed by ultrasound 11 were detected by MIBI SPECT. Conclusion: The MIBI-SPECT had better performance than ultrasonography for parathyroid adenoma localization. The combined MIBI SPECT and ultrasonography has the highest sensitivity for parathyroid adenoma detection (79%). An alternative strategy may be to use MIBI-SPECT initially, and to proceed to ultrasonography only in patients with negative MIBI- SPECT. This may avoid many ultrasonography procedures.

Dual Localization with Ultrasound and Iodine 123 and Technetium (99mTc) Sestamibi Scintigraphy is Superior to Single Imaging Modalities in Facilitating Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy for Primary Hyperparathyroidism

ABSTRACT Primary hyperparathyroidism is caused by a single parathyroid adenoma in the majority of patients. Localization of parathyroid adenomas prior to surgery has the benefit of allowing a minimally invasive approach. Over the years, multiple imaging modalities have been employed in an attempt to identify the site preoperatively, with varying degrees of success. In this study, we explore the accuracy of a combination of ultrasound and nuclear medicine planar scintigraphy with iodine-123 and technetium (99mTc) sestamibi. A retrospective study of consecutive series of 117 patients undergoing minimally invasive parathyroidectomy was carried out. Inclusion criteria incorporated clinical and biochemical evidence of primary hyperparathyroidism. All patients had at least one form of imaging: Ultrasound or nuclear medicine scintigraphy or both. The accuracy was compared with surgical findings. Gland weight was also related to imaging accuracy. A total of 101 patients underwent surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism. There was no significant difference between ultrasound and scintigraphy ability to localize a parathyroid adenoma (p = 0.738). The combination of ultrasound and scintigraphy was superior at preoperative localization compared to ultrasound (p = 0.039) or scintigraphy alone (p = 0.0078). Gland weight had no significant bearing on the accuracy of the scan (ultrasound, p = 0.89; scintigraphy, p = 0.16). Dual localization with ultrasound and scintigraphy in primary hyperparathyroidism is superior to a single imaging technique. Dual localization facilitates minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. How to cite this article Lyon A, Komolafe OO, Wilson CR, Doughty JC. Dual Localization with Ultrasound and Iodine 123 and Technetium (99mTc) Sestamibi Scintigraphy is Superior to Single Imaging Modalities in Facilitating Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy for Primary Hyperparathyroidism. World J Endoc Surg 2012;4(3):93-98.

Adenoma ectópico de paratiroides: detección gammagráfica y cirugía radioguiada

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of 99mTc-MIBI parathyroid scintigraphy and radioguided parathyroidectomy on the diagnosis and treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) due to ectopic adenomas . Methods We reviewed 105 consecutive patients who underwent radioguided parathyroidectomy due to adenomas between March 2004 and December 2008. Of this group we studied 20 patients (19%) with ectopic adenomas. All patients had biochemical evidence of PHP, a positive parathyroid scintigraphy, radioguided detection with histolopathological confirmation of adenoma and at least 1 year-follow up. The parathyroid scintigraphy consisted on dual-phase planar and tomographic images (SPECT or SPECT/CT). During the parathyroidectomy, intraoperative PTH determinations (0, 7, 15 and 30 min after the parathyroidectomy) were done. The follow up consisted on blood examinations of PTH, calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D and assessment of renal function. Results Parathyroid scintigraphy detected all adenomas. Scintigraphic and surgical findings were coincident in 18 cases (90%). The final adenoma localization was paraesophagic in 9 patients, cervicothymic in 5, posterior cervicomediastinal in 4, anterior mediastinal in 1 and parathymic in 1. The parathyroidectomy consisted on 12 minimally invasive surgeries, 2 unilateral cervicotomies, 4 bilateral cervicotomies and 2 sternotomies. No case of persistent or recurrent PHP was observed during the follow up. Conclusions Parathyroid scintigraphy (SPECT/CT) and radioguided surgery are effective methods on the localization and treatment of PHP due to ectopic adenomas. In our study the radioguided parathyroidectomy was successful in all cases and there was no evidence of persistent or recurrent hyperparathyroidism on the follow up.

Ectopic parathyroid adenoma: Scintigraphic detection and radioguided surgery

AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the role of 99mTc-MIBI parathyroid scintigraphy and radioguided parathyroidectomy on the diagnosis and treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) due to ectopic adenomas. MethodsWe reviewed 105 consecutive patients who underwent radioguided parathyroidectomy due to adenomas between March 2004 and December 2008. Of this group we studied 20 patients (19%) with ectopic adenomas. All patients had biochemical evidence of PHP, a positive parathyroid scintigraphy, radioguided detection with histolopathological confirmation of adenoma and at least 1 year-follow up. The parathyroid scintigraphy consisted on dual-phase planar and tomographic images (SPECT or SPECT/CT). During the parathyroidectomy, intraoperative PTH determinations (0, 7, 15 and 30 min after the parathyroidectomy) were done. The follow up consisted on blood examinations of PTH, calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D and assessment of renal function. ResultsParathyroid scintigraphy detected all adenomas. Scintigraphic and surgical findings were coincident in 18 cases (90%). The final adenoma localization was paraesophagic in 9 patients, cervicothymic in 5, posterior cervicomediastinal in 4, anterior mediastinal in 1 and parathymic in 1. The parathyroidectomy consisted on 12 minimally invasive surgeries, 2 unilateral cervicotomies, 4 bilateral cervicotomies and 2 sternotomies. No case of persistent or recurrent PHP was observed during the follow up. ConclusionsParathyroid scintigraphy (SPECT/CT) and radioguided surgery are effective methods on the localization and treatment of PHP due to ectopic adenomas. In our study the radioguided parathyroidectomy was successful in all cases and there was no evidence of persistent or recurrent hyperparathyroidism on the follow up.

Clinical utility of ultrasound and 99mTc sestamibi SPECT/CT for preoperative localization of parathyroid adenoma in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism

To evaluate the accuracy of ultrasound and parathyroid scintigraphy using single photon-emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) for the preoperative localization of solitary parathyroid adenomas in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who would be suitable for minimally invasive parathyroid surgery. Retrospective study of 63 consecutive patients with biochemical evidence of primary hyperparathyroidism referred for preoperative localization of parathyroid adenoma that proceeded to surgery in the same institution. All patients underwent high-resolution ultrasound and Technetium-99m sestamibi scintigraphy with planar and SPECT/CT imaging. The accuracy of preoperative imaging was compared to surgical and histological findings as the reference standard. Fifty-nine patients had solitary parathyroid adenomas, three patients had multiglandular hyperplasia, and one patient had multiple parathyroid adenomas confirmed at surgery and histology. Thirty-five solitary parathyroid adenomas were identified preoperatively with ultrasound (64%) and 53 with SPECT-CT (90%). Concordant ultrasound and SPECT/CT findings were found in 35 cases (59%). An additional three adenomas were found with ultrasound alone and 18 adenomas with SPECT/CT alone. Fifty-one of the 56 adenomas localized using combined ultrasound and SPECT/CT were found at the expected sites during surgery. Combined ultrasound and SPECT/CT has an overall sensitivity of 95% and accuracy of 91% for the preoperative localization of solitary parathyroid adenomas. The combination of ultrasound and SPECT/CT has incremental value in accurately localizing solitary parathyroid adenomas over either technique alone, and allows selection of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who would be suitable for minimally invasive surgery.

Role of vitamin D deficiency in continued hyperparathyroidism following parathyroidectomy

The aim of this study was to investigate vitamin D deficiency as an etiology for patients with elevated parathormone (PTH) levels after parathyroidectomy. Fifity-five patients were identified who had undergone parathyroidectomy between January 2003 and November 2006 with complete records that included measurements of preoperative and postoperative PTH, vitamin D, calcium, ionized calcium, and sestamibi localization results. Thirteen patients (24%) had elevated PTH at 1 week postoperatively. Sixty-two percent of these patients (N = 8, 15% overall) had vitamin D deficiency. Thirty-one percent (N = 4, 7% overall) had persistent biochemical evidence of primary hyperparathyroidism. Three of the 4 had a subsequent positive sestamibi parathyroid localization of an additional adenoma (5.5% series incidence of double adenomas). Given the known prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, consideration should be given to preoperative vitamin D testing to avoid confusion about the etiology of persistently elevated PTH following surgery.

Accuracy and Role of Surgeon-performed Intraoperative Ultrasound in Minimally Invasive Open Parathyroidectomy

Abstract Background Assessment of the accuracy and the role of surgeon-performed ultrasound in comparison to expert radiology-performed ultrasound, sestamibi scanning and histologic findings. Methods From January 2006 to December 2007 we prospectively evaluated forty-two consecutive patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism. One surgeon who was unaware of the preoperative imaging studies did all ultrasound examinations just prior to skin incision. The correlations between surgeon-performed ultrasound, radiology-expert ultrasound, sestamibi scanning and histologic findings were assessed. Results There were thirty-eight females (mean age: 55.9 years, range: 13-83) and four males (mean age: 41 years, range: 42-77) with biochemical evidence of primary hyperparathyroidism. Single gland disease (SGD) was histologically confirmed in thirty-six cases (85.7%) and multigland disease (MGD) in six cases (14.3%). Concordant preoperative U/S and sestamibi findings were found in thirty- four cases in SGD patients: surgeon performed U/S and expert radiology U/S were equally correct in all of these cases. In the rest two discordant cases in SGD patients, radiologist U/S was wrong in both cases, whereas sestamibi and surgeon U/S had no false results. Multigland disease had been predicted by negative findings in preoperative U/S and sestamibi in four patients and by finding more than one enlarged parathyroid glands in two patients. Surgeon U/S gave one false result in the former subgroup of MGD patients, although correctly identified multiple gland enlargements in the latter subgroup. Conclusions This study shows that surgeon-performed ultrasound compares favourably and even exceeds radiology U/S. Since this positive predictive result applies especially in SGD, intraoperative U/S had been added in the standards of care of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism in our institution

Familial isolated hyperparathyroidism: clinical and genetic characteristics of 36 kindreds.

Familial isolated hyperparathyroidism: clinical and genetic characteristics of 36 kindreds.

Genetic studies of a family with hereditary hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumour syndrome.

Familial hyperparathyroidism may occur as familial isolated hyperparathyroidism (FIHP) or as part of an inherited syndrome, in particular multiple endocrine neoplasia types 1 and 2A (MEN1, MEN2A) and hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumour (HPT-JT) syndrome. The localization of the genes responsible for these syndromes has enabled genetic screening of families with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) to be carried out. This has important clinical implications in terms of individual follow-up and management. We previously reported a large FIHP family with an increased risk of parathyroid cancer and excluded its linkage to MEN1, MEN2 and PTH genes. Here we re-analysed this family and performed genetic linkage to the HPT-JT locus in chromosome 1q21-q32. Loss of heterozygosity studies of 1q21-q32, 11q13 and X chromosome were also performed. We studied 19 family members, aged 6-63 years. High molecular weight DNA was isolated from peripheral blood samples from 17 family members. For the two deceased individuals, DNA was extracted from normal paraffin embedded tissues. All individuals (except two deceased patients) had serum corrected calcium, inorganic phosphate, intact PTH, prolactin and various pancreatic hormones, measured on fasting blood samples. Twenty microsatellite markers were examined for the 1q21-q32 region, the locus for the HPT-JT gene. Genetic polymorphisms were determined by polymerase chain reaction amplification of genomic DNA and genetic linkage analysis was performed. Loss of heterozygosity studies were performed using paraffin-embedded parathyroid tissues from four affected members. Seven of the eight affected family members included in this study had biochemical evidence of PHPT and surgically proven parathyroid tumours. Indication of linkage of the disease to the HPT-JT locus was demonstrated with a maximum lod score of 2.32 by two-points linkage analysis. Linkage data were supported by multi-point analysis which gave a maximum lod score of 2.7. Meiotic recombinations detected in one affected individual narrowed the region to 26 cM. As a result of the genetic findings, we re-screened the living family members by orthopantomograph and renal ultrasound, and identified two jaw lesions in two gene carriers. One affected family member demonstrated polycystic kidney disease, thus establishing the association between the two conditions. A reduced penetrance of HPT in females was evident, in agreement with our previous study. No allelic deletion was detected in any tumour at 1q21-q32, 11q13 or X chromosome. This study illustrates the usefulness and importance of genetic studies in familial isolated hyperparathyroidism families. Our clinical and genetic findings indicate that this previously reported familial isolated hyperparathyroidism family has hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumour syndrome.

Ultrasonic detection of parathyroid adenomas

In our study all patients presenting with biochemical evidence of primary hyperparathyroidism and raised parathormone levels did in fact undergo pre-operative localization with ultrasound.

Dual isotope parathyroid imaging.

Eleven patients who had clinical and biochemical evidence of primary hyperparathyroidism were studied using dual isotope technetium-thallium parathyroid subtraction imaging. The parathyroid scans correctly identified all surgically proven parathyroid adenomas. Three abnormal foci also were identified that were not parathyroid adenomas. These were caused by adenocarcinoma metastatic to a lymph node, primary papillary carcinoma of the thyroid, and parathyroid hyperplasia. This report also demonstrates the importance of surgically examining all abnormal sites of uptake.

PREOPERATIVE LOCALIZATION OF PARATHYROID ADENOMAS BY TECHNETIUM-THALLIUM AND ULTRASOUND IMAGING

38 patients with biochemical evidence of primary hyperparathyroidism were studied. A 50K count image of the neck was computer acquired with a gamma camera and pinhole collimator 30 minutes after IV injection of 1 mCi of Tc-99m pertechnetate. Without patient movement, 1–2 mCi of T1–201 chloride was injected IV, and sequential 30 second images were acquired for 25 minutes. The thallium images were summed and computer subtraction of the normalized pertechnetate image was performed to identify areas of discordant radionuclide uptake. Ultrasound examination was performed using a B-mode static scanner with a 5 MHz transducer. 12 patients have had surgery to date, each of whom had a single parathyroid adenoma. Nuclear imaging successfully localized 5/12 adenomas, including 4/5 inferior or upper mediastinal adenomas and 1/7 superior adenomas. There was 1 false positive. Ultrasound identified 4/12 adenomas, each of which was located posterior to the thyroid gland, including 2/5 inferior or mediastinal adenomas and 2/7 superior adenomas. There were 3 false positives by ultrasound. The combination of techniques successfully localized 7/12 adenomas, including 5/5 inferior or upper mediastinal adenomas and 2/7 superior adenomas. Nuclear imaging appears most sensitive for parathyroid adenomas located inferiorly or in the upper mediastinum, while ultrasound is useful for identifying adenomas located posterior to the thyroid gland.