Intrathyroidal Parathyroid Research Articles

Intrathyroidal parathyroid glands: Small, but mighty (a Napoleon phenomenon)

Intrathyroidal parathyroid adenomas (ITPAs) are a rare entity. The aim of this study is to describe the experience of 2 endocrine surgery centers and to distinguish characteristics of intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma and nonintrathyroidal parathyroid adenomas. We included patients who had undergone operations for primary hyperparathyroidism who had intrathyroidal parathyroid adenomas. Patients with single intrathyroidal parathyroid adenomas were also compared to age- and sex-matched controls with nonintrathyroidal parathyroid adenomas. Of 4,868 patients who underwent parathyroidectomy between January 2002 and June 2011, we identified 53 (1%) patients with intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma. Sestamibi and ultrasound scans correctly identified the adenoma in 35 (70%) and 11 (61%) cases, respectively. Single adenomas were identified in 44 (83%) patients, double adenomas in 4 (8%) patients, and hyperplasia in 5 (9%) patients. Lobectomy was performed in 17 (32%) patients; enucleation was used in 36 (68%) patients. Cure was achieved in all patients and no patients experienced a recurrence. Patients with single intrathyroidal parathyroid adenomas had significantly smaller glands than patients with nonintrathyroidal parathyroid adenomas (325 ± 47 vs 772 ± 61 mg; P < .0001); however, no significant difference was identified between the groups with regard to demographics, symptoms, preoperative laboratory values, or outcomes. Single intrathyroidal parathyroid adenomas are smaller than nonintrathyroidal parathyroid adenomas, but patients with intrathyroidal parathyroid adenomas present with similar laboratory values and symptoms. Recognition of this rare entity can lead to a successful surgical outcome.

Sonography of intrathyroid parathyroid adenomas: Are there distinctive features that allow for preoperative identification?

ObjectiveThe purpose of our study was to determine if intra-thyroid parathyroid adenomas can be accurately identified by applying proposed criteria to preoperative ultrasound examinations in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Materials/methodsFifty-three patients with pathology proven intra-thyroid parathyroid adenomas and pre-operative ultrasounds were identified from a surgical database for a blinded, retrospective review. A contemporary, age-matched cohort of 54 patients with extra-thyroid parathyroid adenomas was identified as a control. A total of 64 patients within these cohorts had co-existing thyroid nodules. Proposed ultrasound criteria for identifying a parathyroid adenoma included solid composition, profound hypoechogenicity, and presence of a feeding polar vessel. Parathyroid adenomas were classified as extra-thyroid or intra-thyroid (partial or complete) based on their relationship with the thyroid gland during ultrasound evaluation and results were compared to surgical and histopathology reports as the gold standard. The results from the blinded, retrospective review during which the proposed, specific ultrasound criteria were applied were compared to the initial, pre-operative reports during which the proposed criteria were not applied. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of the blinded, retrospective review and initial, pre-operative reports were calculated. Additionally, in patients with co-existing thyroid nodules, an attempt was made to differentiate parathyroid adenomas from the thyroid nodules. ResultsApplication of the proposed ultrasound criteria during blinded retrospective review yielded a sensitivity and specificity for detecting intra-thyroid parathyroid adenomas of 76% and 92%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound for detecting intra-thyroid parathyroid adenomas on the initial reports was 29% and 95%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for differentiating an intra-thyroid parathyroid adenoma from a thyroid nodule was 78% and 86%, respectively. ConclusionApplication of specific ultrasound criteria facilitates pre-operative diagnosis of intra-thyroid parathyroid adenomas and facilitates surgical planning. This large series confirms previous, largely anecdotal reports of ultrasound's utility in detecting intra-thyroid parathyroid adenomas.

An Unusual Ectopic Location of a Parathyroid Carcinoma Arising within the Thyroid Gland

Parathyroid carcinomas are very rare tumors and may arise in the normally located or ectopic gland. The latter present certain diagnostic difficulties, and there are no specific guidelines on their management. We present a case of parathyroid carcinoma arising within an ectopically located intrathyroid gland and discuss the diagnosis, management, and difficulties encountered. Furthermore, we review all six previously reported cases of this rare event and demonstrate the patterns in presentation, as well as the differences in management. A 39-yr-old male presented with a right neck mass with biochemical derangement suggestive of a parathyroid lesion. However, radiological investigations were inconclusive as to the true nature of this lesion because they demonstrated a mass within the right thyroid lobe. A sestamibi (99m)technetium subtraction study was performed, which suggested an intrathyroid parathyroid carcinoma. The patient underwent successful surgical intervention. Although rare, ectopically located parathyroid glands can harbor malignant disease. Those located within the thyroid gland can be difficult to diagnose, and thus a combination of radiological modalities, including sestamibi (99m)technetium studies, need to be utilized. Although surgical resection is the most effective treatment, there are no specific guidelines as to the radicality of such treatment.

The Role of Intraoperative Gamma Probe and Parathyroid Hormone Measurement in the Localization of Intrathyroidal Parathyroid Adenoma

ABSTRACT In this case, we would like to introduce a case with intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma in which planar Tc-99m scintigraphy and intraoperative gamma probe were insufficient but single photon emission computed tomography imaging and intraoperative parathyroid hormone measurement were helpful in localizing the adenoma. How to cite this article Soydal C, Genc V, Araz M, Akyol C, Kucuk ON. The Role of Intraoperative Gamma Probe and Parathyroid Hormone Measurement in the Localization of Intrathyroidal Parathyroid Adenoma. World J Endoc Surg 2012;4(2):77-78.

Giant intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is not an uncommon endocrine disorder. However, acute primary hyperparathyroidism, or parathyroid crisis (PC), is a rare clinical entity characterized by life-threatening hypercalcemia of a sudden onset in patients with PHPT. We describe a patient with PC who presented with acute worsening of depressive symptoms, nausea and vomiting, and required emergency surgery. Serum calcium, alkaline phosphatase, and parathyroid hormone were elevated and serum phosphorus was low. An emergency hemithyroidectomy was performed because of none medical control of hypercalcemia. A giant intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma was diagnosed. PHTP can be a life-threatening situation for patients, requiring immediate surgical treatment. A giant intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma is an uncommon cause of PC.

Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy for primary hyperthyroidism guided by intra-operative parathyroid hormone monitoring

s / International Journal of Surgery 10 (2012) S1–S52 S32 ABSTRACTS course of IA mean free T4 was 30 pmol/L and 11.4 pmol/L respectively (range: 9.4 to 22.7 pmol/L). There were no adverse effects to IA. Therewere no complications following surgery. Conclusions: Iopanoic acid is safe and effective in rapidly controlling thyrotoxicosis prior to total thyroidectomy. 0623: SESTA-MIBI SCANS, CAN THEY PREDICT INTRATHYROID PARATHYROID ADENOMA? Rachel French, R.K. Maitra, Vijay Kurup. North Tees University Hospital, Stockton-on-Tees, UK Aim: To evaluate the role of sesta-mibi scans in predicting intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma in primary hyperparathyroidism. Method: Retrospective analysis of parathyroidectomies performed in a distric general hospital during the last 6 years(2005-11). Sesta-mibi scans were performed pre-operatively in all patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Where no adenoma was identified during exploration of neck, a hemithyroidectomy was performed on the side suggested by sestamibi scan. Results: 78 patients had exploration of neck, 82% female, 18% male, with a mean age 62 years. Sestamibi was positive in 60 patients and 54 had parathyroid adenoma identified on exploration. 6 patients after a failed neck exploration underwent hemithyroidectomy . Histology revealed intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma in 5 patients(83%) . Out of 18 patients with negative scans 14 had an adenoma removed. Sestamibi scans had a sensitivity of 81% and positive predictive value of 98.3%. Conclusion: Sestamibi scan helped to identify 5patients with intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma when neck exploration was negative. When no adenoma is visible on exploration a hemithyroidectomy at the side suggested by the scan is justified. 0681: MINIMALLY INVASIVE PARATHYROIDECTOMY FOR PRIMARY HYPERTHYROIDISM GUIDED BY INTRA-OPERATIVE PARATHYROID HORMONE MONITORING Alison Lyon , O.O. Komolafe , Christopher Wilson . University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Western Infirmary, Glasgow, UK Aim: Intra-operative parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels can demonstrate successful removal of a parathyroid adenoma during minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. However, this technique remains controversial due to variations in blood sampling and excision criteria. In this study, we explored the success rate of our technique. Methods: A consecutive series of 92 patients with histologically confirmed primary hyperparathyroidism was analysed retrospectively. All were treated with a minimally invasive technique. Serum PTH levels were checked prior to gland removal and twenty minutes after gland removal to confirm a decrease of greater than 50%, which was considered to indicate a curative procedure. Results: The median pre-operative PTH level was 14.35ng/L (interquartile range (IQR) 10.7-20.3). The two week post operative median level was 5.4ng/L (IQR 3.4-7) and median adjusted calcium level was 2.39mmol/L (IQR 2.28-2.5). The average intraoperative PTH decrease was 75.6%. Of the 92 patients, 8 (8.7%) required multiple gland removal due to adenoma location differing to that indicated by preoperative imaging (3 were retrosternal). The biochemical cure rate within this cohort was 98%. 2 patients had no intraoperative PTH drop and persisting hypercalcaemia. They underwent further imaging and curative surgery. Conclusion: Intra-operative PTH monitoring is a useful adjunct to minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. 0721: PATIENT OUTCOME FOLLOWING LAPAROSCOPIC BILATERAL ADRENALECTOMY Carol Watson, Craig Parnaby, Patrick ODwyer. Gartnavel General Hospital,

Intrathyroid Parathyroid Carcinoma with Intrathyroidal Metastasis to the Contralateral Lobe: Source of Diagnostic and Treatment Pitfalls

Intrathyroidal parathyroid carcinoma is extremely rare clinical entity with potentially multiple diagnostic pitfalls. We report a case of 40-year-old man presented with classical manifestations of primary hyperparathyroidism, severe hypercalcemia and profoundly increased serum parathyroid hormone level. Neck ultrasonography demonstrated multinodular goiter with predominant 34 mm nodule in left thyroid lobe. Additional 16 mm nodule was found beneath the left lobe. Routine percutaneous fine-needle aspiration of predominant nodule indicated follicular thyroid carcinoma, while left inferior nodule was confirmed to be of parathyroid origin. The patient underwent surgery, during which frozen sections identified medullary thyroid carcinoma with metastasis to upper mediastinal lymph node. Permanent sections of the predominant left lobe nodule revealed intrathyroidal parathyroid carcinoma surrounded with multiple microscopic metastases. Left inferior nodule was metastatic lymph node. Additional 10 mm intrathyroidal metastasis of primary parathyroid carcinoma was found within right thyroid lobe. This case indicates that fine-needle-aspiration and intraoperative biopsy are of limited value in diagnosing parathyroid carcinoma, especially if localized intrathyroidally. Oncological en-block resection is treatment of choice, implying ipsilateral lobectomy in case of thyroid invasion. This firstly described case of intrathyroidal parathyroid carcinoma causing intrathyroidal dissemination may influence future treatment strategies.

Intrathyroid Adenomas in Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Ectopic parathyroid adenoma, including intrathyroid adenoma, is a common cause of failed parathyroid operations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the operative strategy/outcome in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT), with special regard to intrathyroid adenomas. The authors performed an analysis of all patients receiving operative treatment for pHPT from 2003 through 2005. The operative strategy consisted of systematic perithyroid exploration followed by extended cervical exploration in cases where the adenoma was not found initially. In cases of persistent, high intraoperative parathyroid hormone levels, hemithyroidectomy was performed on the side with higher suspicion of intrathyroid adenoma or with more extended thyroid changes. During the study, 115 patients received surgical treatment for sporadic pHPT. A single parathyroid adenoma (normal parathyroid position) was found in 95 patients (82.6%), ectopic single adenoma was found in 7 patients (6.1%), and double adenomas were found in 10 (8.7%) patients. Operative failure occurred in 3 cases (2.6%). In all, 4 of 7 ectopic single adenomas were intrathyroidal and were removed by hemithyroidectomy according to the authors' standard protocol. The strategy of (a) cervical exploration, (b) extended cervical exploration, and (c) hemithyroidectomy was highly successful for removing undetectable intrathyroid parathyroid adenomas during primary intervention, thereby reducing the risks associated with reintervention.

Intrathyroid Parathyroid Adenoma

It has been taught that a missing parathyroid adenoma can be within the thyroid. Therefore, thyroid lobectomy is appropriate when an adenoma cannot be found. Unfortunately, this technique is often futile. The purpose of this study is to examine the frequency of unsuccessful thyroid lobectomy in parathyroid surgery and to look at the true incidence and location of intrathyroid parathyroid adenomas (iT-PAs). A retrospective chart review of 11,163 patients undergoing parathyroid surgery identifying the location of more than 40,000 parathyroid glands. A tertiary care center specializing in parathyroid surgery. A total of 1163 reoperations for persistent primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) were examined for the incidence and outcomes of thyroid lobectomy performed to find iT-PA. A second study examined 10,000 patients undergoing first-time parathyroidectomy to classify the location and incidence of iT-PA. Thyroid lobectomy had been previously unsuccessfully performed in 77% cases of PHPT undergoing reoperation. Two or fewer glands were found in 82% prior to lobectomy. The adenoma was subsequently found on the lobectomy side in 64% and on the opposite side in 36%. True iT-PA occurred in only 0.7% of 10,000 primary cases. Another 1.2% were closely adherent to or partially within the thyroid substance. The most common location was the lower lateral quadrant of the thyroid. The incidence of true iT-PA is less than 1%, occurring in predictable locations. Thyroid lobectomy for a missing parathyroid adenoma is typically unsuccessful and should only rarely, if ever, be performed.

Ultrasonographic features of intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma causing primary hyperparathyroidism

Preoperative localization study is difficult in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) caused by intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma. The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of ultrasonography (US) in the diagnosis of intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma. Between January 2004 and December 2009, seven of 373 patients who underwent parathyroidectomy because of PHPT in our hospital were found to have intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma. The ultrasonographic features of intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma were examined retrospectively. The most characteristic feature of intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma was a hyperechoic line on the ventral surface of the parathyroid gland. A hyperechoic line was clearly detected even in small adenomas in which feeding vessels could not be detected on color Doppler sonography. In comparison with feeding vessels, a hyperechoic line was frequently detected in normally located parathyroid adenoma. (99m)Tc-sestamibi (MIBI) scintigraphy and computed tomography (CT) could show parathyroid adenoma in the intrathyroidal position in only three of five and in only one of three patients examined, respectively. Since a hyperechoic line is characteristic of parathyroid adenoma, an intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma could be suspected by only non-invasive US.

Intrathyroid Parathyroid: The Case against Thyroid Lobectomy

Free accessAbstractFirst published online August 2010Intrathyroid Parathyroid: The Case against Thyroid LobectomyArnold Goodman, MD, presenter, Douglas Politz, MD, and James Norman, MDVolume 143, Issue 2_supplhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.otohns.2010.06.076

Intrathyroidal oncocytic parathyroid adenoma: A diagnostic pitfall on fine‐needle aspiration

Oncocytic parathyroid adenoma is a rarely seen benign neoplasm of the parathyroid and intrathyroidal location of this lesion is also uncommon. It can be easily misdiagnosed as Hürthle cell thyroid neoplasm on fine-needle aspiration (FNA). Here, an intrathyroidal oncocytic parathyroid adenoma in a 32-year-old male is reported. Ultrasonography showed a nodule 2 cm in largest diameter in the left thyroid lobe. FNA revealed cellular smears containing monotonous oncocytic cells arranged in monolayered sheets, pseudopapillary structures and clusters within a rich vascular network. The case was reported as "suspicious for Hürthle cell thyroid neoplasm" on FNA. Frozen section examination showed intrathyroidal oncocytic parathyroid adenoma with a rim of normal parathyroid tissue. The diagnosis was also confirmed with immunohistochemical stains (TTF-1, PTH, thyroglobulin) performed on permanent sections. Cytopathologic features of oncocytic parathyroid adenoma and Hürthle cell thyroid neoplasm are similar. It is important to keep oncocytic parathyroid adenoma in mind in the differential diagnosis of Hürthle cell thyroid neoplasm. Prior knowledge of clinical, radiological and laboratory data will avoid wrong cytopathologic diagnosis.

A Case of Spontaneous Extracapsular Hemorrhage of Intrathyroidal Parathyroid Adenoma

Intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma is an infrequent lesion which can be explained by abnormalities during embryonic migration of the parathyroid glands. Extracapsular hemorrhage from a intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma is extremely rare, however, due to its location near upper airway, it might cause a life-threatening situation. Therefore, if patients presented with anterior neck painful swelling, skin ecchymosis associated with dysphagia and/or hoarseness, extracapsular hemorrhage from parathyroid adenoma should be considered as a possible diagnosis. Estimation of serum calcium level is essential as the presence of hypercalcemia can help to make the diagnosis pre-operatively. As rupture of a parathyroid adenoma and cyst may lead to local dissemination of tumor cells and an increased risk of recurrent hyperparathyroidism, careful longterm follow-up is required. We report an unusual case of spontaneous rupture of intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma with a review of literature.

Successful removal of intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma diagnosed and accurately located preoperatively by parathyroid scintigraphy (SPECT-CT)

We describe the case of a large intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma in a 46-year-old woman who had a history of recently diagnosed hypercalcaemia and a 2-year history of an asymptomatic enlargement of the right lobe of the thyroid. This rare case highlights the potential difficulties that can arise in the evaluation of hyperparathyroidism, especially in cases of multinodular goiter. In some cases, including this one, even a thorough preoperative evaluation that includes radiological studies (ultrasonography and computed tomography [CT]) may not allow for a definitive preoperative diagnosis due to limited sensitivity, especially in multinodular goiter. The overlapping histological features between thyroid and parathyroid lesions can also be problematic at the time of the intraoperative frozen-section evaluation. We present a case in which, with parathyroid scintigraphy and combination of structural and functional imaging (SPECT-CT), we could accurately locate the intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma in a patient with multinodular goiter.

A Case of Amyloid Goiter Associated with Intrathyroid Parathyroid and Lymphoepithelial Cyst

Diffuse enlargement of the thyroid gland accompanied by an interstitial tissue deposition of amyloid is a special entity termed an amyloid goiter. An amyloid goiter is a rare thyroid lesion, which has been described a long time ago. In this report, we add a new classic case of amyloid goiter that differs from other reported cases in its association with intrathyroid parathyroid and lymphoepthelial cyst involved with amyloidosis. The presence of parathyroid tissue inside the thyroid parenchyma and surrounded by amyloid material elicited a diagnostic problem due to suspected medullary carcinoma. Careful histological examination and immunohistochemical staining for parathormone and calcitonin have largely helped in the differential diagnosis. Bilaterality, diffuse, and homogeneous involvement of the thyroid gland, with absence of definite masses, all direct the diagnosis toward amyloid goiter.

Outcome of parathyroidectomy for patients with renal disease and hyperparathyroidism: predictors for recurrent hyperparathyroidism

A small group of patients with renal disease-related secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism require surgical parathyroidectomy. Among them, 5-20% require further re-exploration and excision of parathyroid tissue because of recurrent disease. The aims of the present study were to review the characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for renal disease related hyperparathyroidism and to identify the risk factors for recurrent hyperparathyroidism. Review of data from a dedicated head and neck database at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital between 1988 and 2004. There were 115 patients of whom 68 (59%) patients were treated with subtotal parathyroidectomy (STP), 43 (37%) were treated with total parathyroidectomy (TP) and 4 (3%) were treated with TP with autotransplant. Of those, 11 (9.6%) patients developed recurrent hyperparathyroidism (9 had STP, 1 had TP and 1 had TP with autotransplant). On re-exploration, persistent hyperplastic parathyroid tissue was located at the site of partially excised parathyroid gland (64%), autotransplanted parathyroid tissue (9%), anterior mediastinum (18%) and intrathyroidal parathyroid (9%). Predictors for recurrent hyperparathyroidism are STP (P= 0.049), preoperative symptom of calciphylaxis or calcinosis (P= 0.024), elevated preoperative calcium level (P= 0.007) and elevated post-operative PTH levels (P= 0.014). Post-operative PTH levels less than 10 pmol/L has a positive predictive value of 97.5% for cure (P= 0.02). More aggressive surgical approach could be indicated in patients with preoperative hypercalcaemia and calcinosis/calciphylaxis. Post-operative PTH can be utilized as a marker for cure after parathyroidectomy in hyperparathyroidism of renal disease.

Successful Removal of an Intrathyroidal Parathyroid Adenoma Located by Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi Scan and Ultrasound

Successful Removal of an Intrathyroidal Parathyroid Adenoma Located by Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi Scan and Ultrasound

F-18 FDG-Avid Intrathyroidal Parathyroid Adenoma Mimicking Follicular Neoplasm

A 64-year-old woman was biochemically diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism. Technetium-99m sestamibi parathyroid scan demonstrated persistent uptake in the left lower pole of the thyroid. She underwent F-18 FDG PET due to unrelated causes. Incidentally, we found focal FDG accumulation in the lower portion of left thyroid lobe. An ultrasound showed a 2.2-cm nodule containing cystic component in the left lower pole of the thyroid. The intact PTH level in the cystic fluid was much higher than the serum intact PTH level, suggesting an intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma. Left lobectomy revealed an intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma in the left thyroid lobe.

A Novel Nomenclature to Classify Parathyroid Adenomas

A uniform and reliable description of the exact locations of adenomatous parathyroid glands is necessary for accurate communications between surgeons and other specialists. We developed a nomenclature that provides a precise means of communicating the most frequently encountered parathyroid adenoma locations. This classification scheme is based on the anatomic detail provided by imaging and can be used in radiology reports, operative records, and pathology reports. It is based on quadrants and anterior-posterior depth relative to the course of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the thyroid parenchyma. The system uses the letters A-G to describe exact gland locations. A type A parathyroid gland is a gland that originates from a superior pedicle, lateral to the recurrent laryngeal nerve compressed within the capsule of the thyroid parenchyma. A type B gland is a superior gland that has fallen posteriorly into the tracheoesophageal groove and is in the same cross-sectional plane as the superior portion of the thyroid parenchyma. A type C gland is a gland that has fallen posteriorly into the tracheoesophageal groove and on a cross-sectional view lies at the level of or below the inferior pole of the thyroid gland. A type D gland lies in the midregion of the posterior surface of the thyroid parenchyma, near the junction of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the inferior thyroid artery or middle thyroidal vein; because of this location, dissection is difficult. A type E gland is an inferior gland close to the inferior pole of the thyroid parenchyma, lying in the lateral plane with the thyroid parenchyma and anterior half of the trachea. A type F gland is an inferior gland that has descended (fallen) into the thyrothymic ligament or superior thymus; it may appear to be "ectopic" or within the superior mediastinum. An anterior-posterior view shows the type F gland to be anterior to the trachea. A type G gland is a rare, truly intrathyroidal parathyroid gland. A reproducible nomenclature can provide a means of consistent communication about parathyroid adenoma location. If uniformly adopted, it has the potential to reliably communicate exact gland location without lengthy descriptions. This system may be beneficial for surgical planning as well as operative and pathology reporting.

16. The Radioguided Gamma Probe Facilitates Intraoperative Localization of Intrathyroidal Parathyroid Glands During Parathyroidectomy

Ectopic parathyroid glands are often the cause of failed parathyroid operations for hyperparathyroidism (HPT). A common site for ectopic parathyroid glands is within the thyroid gland. The radioguided gamma probe has previously been shown to be effective in detecting enlarged parathyroid glands in patients with HPT. Its utility for localizing intrathyroidal parathyroid glands has not been specifically examined.