Minimally invasive resection for mediastinal ectopic parathyroid glands

Case report: a rare case of primary hyperparathyroidism due to an intrathymic ectopic parathyroid adenoma incidentally diagnosed in a 15-year-old girl

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) due to ectopic parathyroid adenoma is a rare case of hypercalcemia in the pediatric population. Herein, a rare case of PHPT due to ectopic intrathymic parathyroid adenoma was described in an asymptomatic 15-year-old girl who had incidental diagnosis based on laboratory abnormalities but experienced a 3-month postoperative course of persistently elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) and hypercalcemia following the initial unsuccessful parathyroidectomy operation carried out in a non-parathyroid expert center. The curative surgical treatment was accomplished only after the patient was reoperated with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) thymectomy by the surgeon experienced in parathyroid surgery with implementation of the combined imaging modalities for accurate localization of ectopic adenoma including 99mTc sestamibi (MIBI) plus neck and thoracic computed tomography (CT) and the appropriate surgical strategies including intraoperative intact PTH monitoring and frozen section diagnosis. Before the reoperation (VATS thymectomy), laboratory findings showed elevated PTH (1,171 ng/L; reference range: 21.80 ng/L-87.5 ng/L) and hypercalcemia (13.4 mg/dL; reference range: 8.4 mg/dL-10.2 mg/dL). The preoperative PTH levels were 94 ng/L at 5 min after thymectomy and 78 ng/L at 10 min. The PTH and calcium levels were 54.3 ng/L and 8.47 mg/dL, respectively, on postoperative day 1 and were 34.2 ng/L and 8.1 mg/dL on postoperative day 2. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 2 without any complications. In conclusion, our findings indicate the likelihood of isolated primary hyperparathyroidism to be incidentally diagnosed based solely on laboratory abnormalities with no specific clinical manifestations in the pediatric age. In addition, using combined imaging modalities (such as MIBI and CT) in accurate localization of ectopic parathyroid adenoma and implementation of surgery by experienced surgeons along with intraoperative intact PTH monitoring and frozen section diagnosis seem crucial to ensure the curative surgical treatment.

Thoracoscopic treatment of mediastinal ectopic parathyroid adenomas: a Latinamerica experience case series and literature review

BACKGROUND

Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) is a disease caused by hypersecretion of one or more parathyroid glands, it can be associated with ectopic mediastinal parathyroid glands (MEPA) in 2% of cases. The use of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for the surgical resection of these glands is a safe, cost-effective, and low morbidity option for patients with MEPA. We report a case series of patients with this disease managed with VATS, the first in Mexico and Latinamerica.

METHODS

From 2008 to 2022, a retrospective study involving patients with MEPA and treated by VATS approach was performed in a tertiary hospital in Mexico city. Relevant biochemical and clinical variables such as imaging studies, pre and postoperative laboratory results, surgical strategy, outcomes and pathological analysis were analyzed.

RESULTS

Four cases of mediastinal parathyroid adenomas causing HPT were included. All patients were female with a median age of 52.5 years-old (range 46-59 years), half of the patients had primary HPT and the others tertiary HPT after kidney transplant. 75% of cases had a MEPA in the medium mediastinum, all had a preoperative positive SPECT-CT 99mTc Sestamibi scan. Mean preoperative PTH was 621.3pg/mL (182-1382pg/mL). All patients successfully underwent parathyroidectomy with a VATS approach, no deaths were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

VATS is a minimally invasive surgery that provides adequate access to mediastinal located glands, optimal visualization of mediastinal structures and has a high resection success rate with less complications and morbidity than open approaches.

Prevertebral cervical approach to posterior mediastinum parathyroid adenomas

BACKGROUND

About 4 years ago, we described the pure endoscopic cervical approach to posterior mediastinum parathyroid adenomas, which we called the "prevertebral cervical approach". At that time, we had operated on three patients and did not have enough quality videos to demonstrate this approach. After broadening our experience, we present our results and show this technique through a video.

METHODS

From June 2015 to January 2021, information on patients undergoing the prevertebral cervical approach was obtained from a specific prospective database, including clinical presentation, biochemistry, preoperative imaging, surgical approach and patient outcomes. The step by step technique is described for both right- and left-sided adenomas, by means of a short video clip.

RESULTS

Ten patients were operated on using this technique. Seven adenomas were right-sided and three were left-sided. The mean surgical time was 33 ± 7 min. There were neither intraoperative nor major postoperative complications. Seven patients presented with a slight subcutaneous emphysema, which did not cause complaints. All patients were discharged the day after surgery, except for one patient with a previous open neck removal of four glands due to secondary hyperparathyroidism, which required calcium replacement. Calcium and parathyroid hormone levels were normalised in the other nine patients after surgery. One patient experienced a transient recurrent laryngeal nerve injury which was spontaneously resolved within 1 month. No permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury was found. The postoperative cosmetic outcomes were excellent.

CONCLUSION

In our experience, the pure cervical endoscopic approach has shown a high feasibility and short operation time, with excellent postoperative results regarding patient comfort, length of stay and disease cure. This approach also offers a very reasonable procedure cost, and may result in a less aggressive surgical option when compared with thoracic approaches.

A case of primary hyperparathyroidism due to an intrathymic ectopic parathyroid adenoma in a 15-year-old boy

Hypercalcemia due to primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is uncommon in children. PHPT is typically caused by a single parathyroid adenoma. Ectopic parathyroid adenomas account for 6%-16% of all parathyroid adenomas and are rare in children but should be considered in cases that present with hypercalcemia. We report the case of a 15-year-old boy with PHPT due to an intrathymic ectopic parathyroid adenoma. Neck ultrasonography and Tc-99m-sestamibi (MIBI) scanning with single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) revealed ectopic parathyroid adenoma in the thymus. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed to remove the ectopic parathyroid adenoma. Pathology showed intrathymic ectopic parathyroid adenoma. After surgery, the patient's serum calcium level immediately normalized. Intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and alkaline phosphatase levels returned to normal ranges within 3 months. Delayed diagnosis of PHPT can cause end-organ damage; a timely diagnosis is especially critical to preserve bone and renal function. If ectopic parathyroid adenomas are well localized in preoperative imaging evaluation and intraoperative iPTH level decreases after resection, ectopic parathyroidectomy without bilateral neck exploration may be performed to avoid unnecessary morbidity.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for ectopic mediastinal parathyroid tumor: subxiphoid and lateral thoracic approach

Background

This study aimed to investigate the initial results of an endoscopic surgical approach for the treatment of intramediastinal ectopic parathyroid adenoma and to evaluate the effectiveness of a single-incision resection using the subxiphoid approach.

Methods

Five cases of patients (1.89%) were diagnosed with ectopic mediastinal parathyroid tumor and underwent resection from 2008 to 2017 in Fujita Health University Hospital. They were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Four patients underwent single-port mediastinal tumor resection using the subxiphoid approach and 1 patient underwent multi-port mediastinal tumor resection using the lateral thoracic approach. The operation time was 134±83.52 min, and the amount of blood loss was 81.8±173.41 mL. The rate of conversion to thoracotomy was 0%, and no intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed. The amount of postoperative oral analgesics was 112.83±209.12 tablets, and their administration period was 561.6±1,229.5 days. The length of hospital stay was 4±2.35 days, and the duration of chest tube drainage was 1.33±1.95 days. The patient who underwent multi-port mediastinal tumor resection using the lateral thoracic approach reported postoperative pain. Serum calcium levels decreased from 10.56±1.52 mg/dL preoperatively to 8.96±0.5 mg/dL postoperatively, and serum phosphorous levels increased from 2.84±0.42 mg/dL preoperatively to 3.6±0.51 mg/dL postoperatively. Intact-PTH hormone levels decreased from 221±169.84 pg/dL preoperatively to 70.2±44.28 pg/dL postoperatively. No recurrence of hyperparathyroidism has been observed in any patient.

Conclusions

The single-incision mediastinal tumor resection via the subxiphoid approach, without going through the intercostal space, is considered as a useful endoscopic surgical approach for the treatment of mediastinal ectopic parathyroid adenomas due to the limited occurrence of post-thoracotomy pain syndrome and the superior esthetic outcomes associated with the procedure as compared to thoracotomy and median sternotomy.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for ectopic mediastinal parathyroid adenoma

Background

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), caused by an ectopic mediastinal parathyroid adenoma, is uncommon. In the past, when the adenoma was not accessible from the neck, median sternotomy was advocated for safe and successful parathyroidectomy. Video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgical (VATS) parathyroidectomy represents a modern alternative approach to this problem.

Methods

Information on patients undergoing VATS was obtained from a specific database, including clinical presentation, biochemistry, preoperative imaging, surgical approach and patient outcomes. A comprehensive literature review was undertaken to draw comparisons with other publications.

Results

Over a 2‐year period, nine patients underwent VATS parathyroidectomy for sporadic PHPT. Five patients had persistent PHPT following previous unsuccessful parathyroidectomy via cervicotomy, and four had had no previous parathyroid surgery. The median duration of surgery was 90 (range 60–160) min. Eight patients were cured biochemically, with no major complications. One patient required conversion to a median sternotomy for removal of a thymoma that had resulted in false‐positive preoperative imaging.

Conclusion

With appropriate preoperative imaging, multidisciplinary input and expertise, VATS parathyroidectomy is an effective, safe and well tolerated approach to ectopic mediastinal parathyroid adenoma.

Transcervical resection of two parathyroid adenomas located on the anterior mediastinum

The mediastinum is a possible location of ectopic parathyroid adenoma. Most ectopic parathyroid glands in the mediastinum are found in the superior mediastinum within the thymus. In this article, two cases with ectopic mediastinal parathyroid adenomas that were excised via transcervical resection are presented. Preoperative examination of the two cases was performed. Laboratory tests supported hyperparathyroidism. For both patients, the results of radiologic and scintigraphic examinations of the cases were compatible with parathyroid adenoma masses in the anterior mediastinum. Transcervical resection was performed via suprasternal incision through the sternal notch and the posterior wall of the sternum space by blunt dissection with the finger. The soft lesions were removed en bloc in both cases. The parathyroid hormone levels of the two cases decreased dramatically after the operation. Transcervical resection may be an alternative method to major surgery in anterior mediastinal small masses.

Management of mediastinal parathyroid adenoma via minimally invasive thoracoscopic surgery: Case report

INTRODUCTION

The most common cause of chronic hypercalcemia is primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). However, owing to the diverse presentation of hypercalcemia, the diagnosis often goes unnoticed culminating as a continuum of recurrence of symptoms. Nephrolithiasis, decreased bone mineral density and peptic ulcer disease are the main clinical sequelae. Among the causes of PHPT 80% are caused by parathyroid adenomas (PA). However, only rarely, these adenomas are found ectopically.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We present the case of a 66-year-old female with a history of recurrent renal stones and peptic ulcer disease. She was found to have elevated serum calcium and PTH levels. However, subsequent high resolution CT scan of chest and neck failed to demonstrate any abnormality. Therefore, an anterior planar Technetium-99m-sestamibi (MIBI) scintigraphy scan using a single-tracer was done and it identified ectopic anterior mediastinal parathyroid adenoma. The patient was successfully managed with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and excision of the mass with follow up calcium level monitoring.

DISSCUSSION

An elevated calcium level should prompt a thorough workup, as sometimes it's the only clue to the unrelated and diversified systemic manifestations of hypercalcemia. Hyperparathyroidism due to ectopic adenoma is quite rare and possess a diagnostic and management challenge.

CONCLUSION

Symptomatic hypercalcemia and high level of PTH without local PA should alert physicians to search for ectopic locations through imaging. VATS is a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure for the resection of ectopic mediastinal PA and it should be considered as the first line approach for resection of these ectopic tumors.

Video-assisted and minimally-invasive open chest surgery for the treatment of mediastinal tumors and masses

This article reviews the anatomy of the mediastinum as well as indications, limitations, techniques, and results of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and other minimally-invasive open-chest surgery approaches currently used for the surgical management of mediastinal tumors and masses. It is written by two surgeons with vastly different backgrounds and thoracic surgical experience. One of them is young and very familiar with VATS approaches and technologies while the other is a senior surgeon relatively unfamiliar with minimally-invasive techniques. This combination of authorship is ideal to analyze the pros and cons of the use of minimally-invasive approaches for the surgical management of mediastinal lesions such as thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) or neurogenic tumors. This is important because several thoracic surgeons have expressed concerns about the ability of thoracoscopic procedures to maintain adherence to sound oncological principles.

Video assisted thoracoscopic excision of mediastinal ectopic parathyroid adenomas: a UK regional experience

BACKGROUND

To report the first series of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) resection of mediastinal ectopic parathyroid adenomas (MEPAs) in the UK.

METHODS

A case series of seven cases undergoing VATS between 2004 and 2009 to treat single gland hyperparathyroidism. Methylene blue (MB) was used in 5/7 cases immediately before exploration to identify the adenomas. Carbon dioxide (CO2) up to pressures of 10 mmHg was used safely to deflate the lung in two cases.

RESULTS

There were five women and two men with a mean age of 53 years (range, 27-72 years). Histopathology confirmed successful resection of the parathyroid adenoma in 6/7 cases. There was one conversion to open thoracotomy due to bleeding from the azygos vein resulting from excessive traction. Despite marked MB uptake, this patient proved to have tuberculoid adenopathy and no parathyroid tissue was identified. Postoperative plasma calcium returned to normal in 6/7 patients and parathyroid hormone (PTH) level in 6/7 patients. The median hospital stay was 2 days and there was no mortality in this series.

CONCLUSIONS

MEPAs can be safely resected using VATS with minimal surgical morbidity, short drainage time and short hospital stay. CO2 insufflation and the intraoperative use of MB are safe and help to accurately localise the ectopic adenoma. VATS should be considered as the first-line approach for resection of MEPAs.