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

A retrospective study on a nomogram combining clinical and ultrasound parameters for differentiating solitary parathyroid adenoma from carcinoma or atypical tumors

Objective

Parathyroid carcinoma (PC) and atypical parathyroid tumor (APT) are rare malignant parathyroid disorders with varying degrees of recurrence risk. The aim of this study was to determine an effective model for discriminating PC/APT among solitary parathyroid lesions.

Methods

A total of 439 patients with histologically confirmed primary hyperparathyroidism were retrospectively enrolled. The training cohort comprised 207 patients, the validation cohort comprised 52 patients from Hospital I, and the external validation cohort comprised 180 patients from Hospital II. All patients were diagnosed in the parathyroid adenoma (PA) group and the APT/PC group. The clinical and ultrasonic features of the two patient groups were compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify independent risk factors for APT/PC. A nomogram was built based on multivariate logistic regression analysis. Model discrimination was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were reported. Decision and calibration curve analyses were performed to assess the clinical value and calibration of each model, respectively.

Results

In the training set, there were 181 cases of PA and 26 cases of APC/PC. Intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) [odds ratio (OR): 1.019, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.008-1.032], shape (OR: 16.625, 95% CI: 5.922-51.883), and relation with the thyroid capsule (OR: 3.422, 95% CI: 1.455-9.152) were independent predictive factors associated with the risk of APT/PC. The AUCs for training and internal and external validation were 0.929, 0.962, and 0.965, respectively. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 86%, 96%, and 85% in the training cohort; 92%, 100%, and 90% in the validation cohort; and 88%, 100%, and 88% in the external validation cohort, respectively. In addition, calibration plots graphically showed good agreement in the presence of the APT/PC group between risk estimation by the nomogram and histopathologic confirmation of surgical specimens. DCA in the current study showed that the nomogram was more effective than all-patient treatment or no treatment over a wide range of threshold probabilities.

Conclusions

Ultrasonic features in combination with iPTH levels may be an applicable model for predicting potentially malignant parathyroid tumors and has a better potential to facilitate preoperative decision-making.

Infected Ruptured Parathyroid Cyst Presenting with Hypercalcemia and Airway Obstruction: A Case Report

Parathyroid cysts (PC) are infrequently encountered and characterize less than 1% of all head and neck masses. When present, PCs may present as a palpable neck mass and lead to hypercalcemia and rarely respiratory depression. Furthermore, the diagnostics of PCs is difficult as they can masquerade as a thyroid or mediastinal mass given their proximity. PCs are theorized to be a progression of parathyroid adenomas and often routine surgical excision is sufficient for cure. To our knowledge, there is no documented report of a patient with an infected parathyroid cyst that led to severe dyspnea. This case describes our experience of a patient with an infected parathyroid cyst presenting as hypercalcemia and airway obstruction.

The polar vessel sign: insights from CT imaging analysis in Asian Indian primary hyperparathyroidism

PURPOSE

Data on the polar vessel sign (enlarged feeding vessel terminating in parathyroid lesions) on four-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT) is limited. We performed a retrospective analysis to determine the prevalence, predictors, and adjunctive utility of polar vessel sign in pre-operative 4D-CT of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT).

METHODS

One radiologist blinded to the patients' details reported the 4D-CT of eighty-four operated patients with histopathology-proven single-gland PHPT. Two protocols were used to obtain arterial-phase images: timed via bolus tracking (n = 41) or fixed at 20 s after contrast injection (n = 43).

RESULTS

Seventy-one patients were symptomatic for PHPT, with median serum calcium 12.1 mg/dL. On the arterial phase of 4D-CT, 88.1% of lesions had the polar vessel sign, including 7/9 asymptomatic patients, 6/6 parathyroid carcinomas, and 3/4 ectopic(1:mediastinum, 2:thyro-thymic ligament). Predictors of polar vessel sign were maximum lesion dimension (2.2 vs. 1.4 cm; P = 0.03), solid-cystic CT morphology (47.3% vs. none; P = 0.004), and bolus tracking-timed arterial phase (55.4% vs. none; P = 0.001). Of these, bolus tracking improved the polar vessel's visualization (100% vs. 76.7%; P = 0.001) independent of lesion dimension and solid-cystic morphology. The latter two predicted polar vessel sign in images obtained at a fixed interval (20 s). A significantly lower proportion of bolus tracking-timed scans had lesion percentage arterial enhancement (PAE) < 128.9% (2/41 vs. 9/43; P = 0.04). Even with suboptimal PAE, the polar vessel helped identify 9/11 lesions.

CONCLUSION

The polar vessel sign demonstrated an additive role to PAE during CT reporting. Bolus tracking is valuable in optimizing vessel and tumor arterial enhancement and is easily incorporated into parathyroid 4D-CT protocol.

Tertiary hyperparathyroidism masking an atypical parathyroid tumor

Atypical parathyroid tumors represent a group of parathyroid neoplasms of uncertain malignant potential. In view of preoperative diagnostic difficulties, suspicious features for malignancy may guide the surgeon to perform a radical surgical approach.

PARATHYROID CARCINOMA: ULTRASONOGRAPHIC AND CLINICAL EXPERIENCE

Parathyroid cancer is an extremely rare malignancy that usually leads to hyperparathyroidism. The aim of this report is to present clinical and ultrasonographic features of tumors in six patients (5 females; mean age 53.2 years) treated for parathyroid carcinoma at the Department of Nuclear Medicine during 20 years. Most patients presented with hypercalcemia, and one of them had a previous history of long-term secondary hyperparathyroidism and was treated with hemodialysis. All patients had significantly reduced bone density, and two of them presented with typical 'brown' tumors involving long bones of lower extremities. After initial treatment, all patients except for the youngest female patient were in long-term remission with normal serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels. Preoperative imaging procedures such as ultrasound with targeted fine needle-aspiration biopsy and Tc99m-sestamibi scan helped determine the location and extent of the disease, but definitive diagnosis was made after the surgery. Parathyroid cancer is a rare form of malignant tumor that is difficult to diagnose preoperatively due to similar clinical features with benign causes of hyperparathyroidism such as hyperplasia and adenomas, especially atypical ones that require regular follow-up. Complete surgical resection provides the best chance of cure, although metastatic disease is possible.

Primary hyperparathyroidism presenting as acute hypercalcemic crisis: a case report

BACKGROUND

Hyperparathyroid crisis, or "parathyroid storm" is a rare manifestation of primary hyperparathyroidism, characterized by sudden onset of symptomatic, severe hypercalcemia (> 3.5 mmol/L). Hemorrhage into a parathyroid adenoma has rarely been reported as an inciting or associated event. We present a case of hemorrhage into a longstanding adenoma presenting with acute onset of profound hypercalcemia and associated complications.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 60-year-old male presented to hospital with sudden onset of confusion, muscle weakness, and ataxia. Initial labs showed serum calcium 4.79 mmol/L, parathyroid hormone 2043 ng/L; creatinine 364 μmol/L. Review of the patient's medical history indicated a 4-year history of recurrent nephrolithiasis, but no prior documented calcium levels. The hypercalcemia did not respond to 5 days of aggressive medical management with fluid resuscitation, denosumab and calcitonin, and later pamidronate and cinacalcet. He continued to deteriorate, requiring intubation and continuous renal replacement therapy. Imaging demonstrated 4.8 cm cystic right paratracheal mass; Technetium (Tc99m) Sestamibi scintigraphy was non-localizing. Urgent parathyroidectomy was completed, revealing a 5 × 3.3 × 1.8 cm hemorrhagic, atypical hypercellular parathyroid. Unfortunately, the patient died from complications from anticoagulation therapy for treatment of deep vein thrombosis 4 weeks after admission. His renal function had not recovered at the time of his death.

CONCLUSION

This case gives potential insight into the etiology of hyperparathyroid crisis, and the difficulty in achieving control of hypercalcemia with medical means. Surgical intervention is the definitive management in these cases and should be considered urgently.

Parathyroid Cystic Adenoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To review diagnostic imaging modalities for parathyroid cystic adenomas (PCA). Since PCAs are a rare (0.5%-1%) subclass of parathyroid adenomas, and due to their cystic component, imaging modalities known to be efficient for diagnosing solid adenomas might fail in localizing them.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review using the PubMed and Cochrane databases for English articles on PCAs published between 1995 and 2020. A meta-analysis of the retrieved data was performed.

RESULTS

Overall, 39 studies, reporting on a total of 160 patients, were included in the analysis. Two thirds (68%) of the patients were female, with a mean age of 53.9 years. A single cystic adenoma was detected in 98.1% of cases. The mean blood calcium corrected for albumin level was 12.6 ± 2.7 mg/dL, and the mean parathyroid hormone level was 565.5 ± 523.8 pg/mL. The mean PCA sizes as measured by ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), and ex vivo measurement were 4.8 ± 3.6, 5.2 ± 3.2, and 3.5 cm, respectively. The median weight was 8.1 g. PCA was detected in 86% of US examinations; 100% of US-guided fine needle aspiration, 4-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT), or magnetic resonance imaging examinations; and 61% of 99m-technetium sestamibi scan with single-photon emission computed tomography ((99m)Tc-SPECT). (99m)Tc-SPECT showed a significantly lower diagnostic rate than US (odds ratio, 3.589), US-guided fine needle aspiration, CT combined with 4D-CT, and the combination of US, CT, 4D-CT, and magnetic resonance imaging (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Although US and 4D-CT showed a significantly high rate in diagnosing PCA, (99m)Tc-SPECT showed a lower PCA diagnostic rate. These findings suggest that larger cystic lesions suspected as PCAs should be further evaluated using 4D-CT rather than (99m)Tc-SPECT.

A multi-institutional study evaluating and describing atypical parathyroid tumors discovered after parathyroidectomy

Objective

To describe common intraoperative and pathologic findings of atypical parathyroid tumors (APTs) and evaluate clinical outcomes in patients undergoing parathyroidectomy.

Methods

In this multi-institutional retrospective case series, data were collected from patients who underwent parathyroidectomy from 2000 to 2018 from three tertiary care institutions. APTs were defined according to the AJCC eighth edition guidelines and retrospective chart review was performed to evaluate the incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, recurrence of disease, and disease-specific mortality.

Results

Twenty-eight patients were identified with a histopathologic diagnosis of atypical tumor. Mean age was 56 years (range, 23-83) and 68% (19/28) were female. All patients had an initial diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism with 21% (6/28) exhibiting clinical loss of bone density and 32% (9/28) presenting with nephrolithiasis or renal dysfunction. Intraoperatively, 29% (8/28) required thyroid lobectomy, 29% (8/28) had gross adherence to adjacent structures and 46% (13/28) had RLN adherence. The most common pathologic finding was fibrosis 46% (13/28). Postoperative complications include RLN paresis/paralysis in 14% (4/28) and hungry bone syndrome in 7% (2/28). No patients with a diagnosis of atypical tumor developed recurrent disease, however there was one patient that had persistent disease and hypercalcemia that is being observed. There were 96% (27/28) patients alive at last follow-up, with one death unrelated to disease.

Conclusion

Despite the new AJCC categorization of atypical tumors staged as Tis, we observed no recurrence of disease after resection and no disease-specific mortality. However, patients with atypical tumors may be at increased risk for recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and incomplete resection.

Overview of the 2022 WHO Classification of Parathyroid Tumors

The 2022 WHO classification reflects increases in the knowledge of the underlying pathogenesis of parathyroid disease. In addition to the classic characteristic features of parathyroid neoplasms, subtleties in histologic features which may indicate an underlying genetic abnormality reflect increased understanding of the clinical manifestations, histologic, and genetic correlation in parathyroid disease. The importance of underlying genetic aberrancies is emphasized due to their significance to the care of the patient. Traditionally, the term "parathyroid hyperplasia" has been applied to multiglandular parathyroid disease; however, the concept of hyperplasia is generally no longer supported in the context of primary hyperparathyroidism since affected glands are usually composed of multiple "clonal" neoplastic proliferations. In light of these findings and management implications for patient care, the 2022 WHO classification endorses primary hyperparathyroidism-related multiglandular parathyroid disease (multiglandular multiple parathyroid adenomas) as a germline susceptibility-driven multiglandular parathyroid neoplasia. From such a perspective, pathologists can provide additional value to genetic triaging by recognizing morphological and immunohistochemical harbingers of MEN1, CDKN1B, MAX, and CDC73-related manifestations. In the current WHO classification, the term "parathyroid hyperplasia" is now used primarily in the setting of secondary hyperplasia which is most often caused by chronic renal failure. In addition to expansion in the histological features, including those that may be suggestive of an underlying genetic abnormality, there are additional nomenclature changes in the 2022 WHO classification reflecting increased understanding of the underlying pathogenesis of parathyroid disease. The new classification no longer endorses the use of "atypical parathyroid adenoma". This entity is now being replaced with the term of "atypical parathyroid tumor" to reflect a parathyroid neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential. The differential diagnoses of atypical parathyroid tumor are discussed along with the details of worrisome clinical and laboratory findings, and also features that define atypical histological and immunohistochemical findings to qualify for this diagnosis. The histological definition of parathyroid carcinoma still requires one of the following findings: (i) angioinvasion (vascular invasion) characterized by tumor invading through a vessel wall and associated thrombus, or intravascular tumor cells admixed with thrombus, (ii) lymphatic invasion, (iii) perineural (intraneural) invasion, (iv) local malignant invasion into adjacent anatomic structures, or (v) histologically/cytologically documented metastatic disease. In parathyroid carcinomas, the documentation of mitotic activity (e.g., mitoses per 10mm²) and Ki67 labeling index is recommended. Furthermore, the importance of complete submission of parathyroidectomy specimens for microscopic examination, and the crucial role of multiple levels along with ancillary biomarkers have expanded the diagnostic workup of atypical parathyroid tumors and parathyroid carcinoma to ensure accurate characterization of parathyroid neoplasms. The concept of parafibromin deficiency has been expanded upon and term "parafibromin deficient parathyroid neoplasm" is applied to a parathyroid neoplasm showing complete absence of nuclear parafibromin immunoreactivity. Nucleolar loss is considered as abnormal finding that requires further molecular testing to confirm its biological significance. The 2022 WHO classification emphasizes the role of molecular immunohistochemistry in parathyroid disease. By adopting a question-answer framework, this review highlights advances in knowledge of histological features, ancillary studies, and associated genetic findings that increase the understanding of the underlying pathogenesis of parathyroid disease that are now reflected in the updated classification and new entities in the 2022 WHO classification.

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.

Do Patients With Atypical Parathyroid Adenoma Need Close Follow-up?

CONTEXT

Atypical parathyroid adenomas (APAs) are neoplasms with uncertain malignant potential but lack unequivocal histological signs of malignancy.

OBJECTIVE

This work aims to retrospectively evaluate the clinical and biochemical profiles of patients with APA, the outcome after parathyroidectomy (PTX), and the presence of CDC73 germline and somatic mutations.

METHODS

This monocentric study was conducted on consecutive patients undergoing PTX for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) between June 2000 and December 2020. Fifty-eight patients with a confirmed histopathological diagnosis of APA, and age- and sex-matched controls with parathyroid adenoma (PA) were also included.

RESULTS

Fifty-four patients had sporadic PHPT and 4 had familial isolated hyperparathyroidism (FIHP). Thirty-four patients (59%) had symptomatic disease. Serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were significantly higher in symptomatic compared to asymptomatic patients (P = .048 and .008, respectively). FIHP patients were younger than their sporadic counterparts (30 ± 17 years vs 55 ± 13 years). APA patients had significantly higher serum calcium and PTH levels and lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration, bone mineral density, and T score at one-third distal radius compared to those with PA. Four of 56 APA patients displayed a CDC73 germline mutation. No somatic CDC73 mutation was identified in 24 tumor specimens. The mean follow-up after surgery was 60 ± 56.4 months. All but 6 patients (90%), 5 with apparently sporadic PHPT and 1 with FIHP, were cured after surgery.

CONCLUSION

The large majority of patients with APA, despite a moderate/severe phenotype, have a good prognosis. Germline CDC73 mutation-positive patients had a higher rate of persistent/recurrent disease. CDC73 gene alterations do not seem to have a relevant role in the tumorigenesis of sporadic APA.

Primary Hyperparathyroidism Secondary to a Sestamibi-Negative Cystic Parathyroid Adenoma

The most common cause of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a solid parathyroid adenoma. Less than 2% of cases of PHPT are caused by cystic parathyroid adenomas formed from degeneration of pre-existing solid parathyroid adenomas. Cystic parathyroid adenomas are non-functional in over 90% of cases. In this case we describe management of a 56-year-old man with acute-onset polydipsia, polyuria, xerostomia, nausea, and constipation. Serum chemistry upon admission revealed hypercalcemia, hyperparathyroidism, and reduced serum phosphorus. Neck sonogram revealed a predominantly anechoic lesion later confirmed by pathology to be a cystic parathyroid adenoma in the right thyroid lobe. Sestamibi scan did not show uptake in parathyroid gland, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) was elevated in fine-needle aspiration sample. Otolaryngology removed the cystic lesion via surgical excision, which led to normalization of PTH level. This case demonstrates the importance of evaluation of cystic components for PTH levels and if confirmed should be treated as a parathyroid adenoma.

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.

A case of adrenal Cushing's syndrome and primary hyperparathyroidism due to an atypical parathyroid adenoma

Cushing's syndrome is a rare disorder of cortisol excess and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Hypercalcaemia due to hyperparathyroidism is a common condition; however, in 10% of young patients, it is associated with other endocrinopathies and occurs due to a genetic variant [e.g. multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 1 (MEN1), MEN2 or MEN4]. We report the case of a 31-year-old woman who was referred to the endocrinology out-patient service with an 8-month history of hirsutism, amenorrhoea and weight gain. Her biochemical work up was significant for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-independent Cushing's syndrome. Radiological investigations revealed an adrenal adenoma. During investigation she was also found to have primary hyperparathyroidism due to a parathyroid adenoma. Pre-operatively, the patient was commenced on metyrapone and both her adrenal and parathyroid lesions were resected successfully. There were several concerning findings on initial examination of the parathyroid tumour, including possible extension of the tumour through the capsule and vascular invasion; however, following extensive review, it was ultimately defined as an adenoma. Given the unusual presence of two endocrinopathies in a young patient, she subsequently underwent genetic testing. Analysis of multiple genes did not reveal any pathogenic variants. The patient is currently clinically well, with a normal adjusted calcium and no clinical features of cortisol excess. She will require long-term follow up for recurrence of both hypercalcaemia and hypercortisolaemia.

Case report of a cystic parathyroidal adenoma with rapid growth induced by cinacalcet

BACKGROUND

Primary hyperparathyroidism is a rare condition of disease which can seldomly present as giant retrotrhyroideal cysts, complicating the localization of the adenoma to resect.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 56-year old female presented with hypercalcaemia of 3.38 mmol/L (2.2-2.65 mmol/L) and a history of breast cancer. A fast growing cystic parathyroidal adenoma was diagnosed by a multimodal approach including comprehensive diagnostic imaging (ultrasonography, scintigraphies, dynamic MRI) and cytopathological investigations after ultrasonography-guided puncture. The patient was cured by surgical extraction of the whole adenoma. In retrospect, the rapid growth was most likely induced by cinacalcet (initially 30 mg/d, later 60 mg/d) therapy which the patient received for few months only. Primary hyperparathyroidism was ascertained because surgical removal of the solitary adenoma cured the patient. Furthermore, there was no relevant renal insufficiency or history of prolonged calcium-level deregulation.

CONCLUSIONS

This phenomenon of cystic degeneration of parathyroidal adenoma under therapy with cinacalcet has previously been described in secondary hyperparathyroidism, but not in primary hyperparathyroidism and should be considered in diagnostic approach.

Fine-needle aspiration washout in the diagnosis of cystic parathyroid adenoma

Cystic parathyroid adenomas are one of the rare causes of neck masses. Due to its rarity, it causes misdiagnosis and wrong treatments and has undesirable consequences. The measurement of parathyroid hormone in fine-needle aspiration washout fluid is a minimally invasive, safe method for the diagnosis of parathyroid cysts and seems to be more useful than Tc-99m sestamibi (MIBI) parathyroid single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT.

Mapping of parathyroid neoplasms based on grey scale ultrasound images and histopathological whole slide images

PURPOSE

In this study, echogenicity and histopathological projections of parathyroid neoplasia in grey mode ultrasonography were compared with whole side imaging (WSI). The utility of the data obtained for clinical assessment was evaluated.

METHODS

In 57 patients operated for hyperparathyroidism, the parathyroid gland was sampled in the sagittal plane. The lesion slides were scanned. The WSI was rendered digital. The histopathological slide images scanned with USG images were matched. With the İmage J program, the areas of cell types and morphological changes were measured.

RESULTS

In parathyroid neoplasms, hypoechoic areas were found to be matched with 21% [55.3%] chief cell, 2 [5.0%] oncocytic cell and 8%[20.0%] cystic morphology. Of the 57 patients, 26 [45.61%] had a cystic area. It was seen that hyperechogenic areas match more connective tissue areas than chef cell [p < 0.05]. There was less clear cell in hyperechogenic areas than iso-hyperechogenic areas [p < 0.05]. The ratio of fat tissue echogenicity was lower in hypoechoic areas than hyperechoic [p < 0.05]. There was a positive correlation between PTH and the entire tissue area [r = 0.377, p = 0.004]. A positive directional moderate linear relationship was found between blood calcium level and parathyroid adenoma [rho = 0.530, p = 0.009] and percentage [rho = 0.416, p = 0.048]. When atypical adenomas and adenoma cases were compared, no significant difference was found between the cystic and chief cell areas [p > 0.05].

CONCLUSION

The hypoechogenicity seen in USG was observed to be compatible with chief cell, hyperechogenic areas in USG were compatible with connective tissue and fat tissue. As the cystic area increased, blood calcium levels were higher in adenomas. We think that the results of this study will be guiding to evaluate the reflections of the detailed morphometric studies.

A Rare Case of Severe Hypercalcemia Secondary to Atypical Parathyroid Cystic Adenoma with Negative Sestamibi Scan

The two types of parathyroid cysts are functional and non-functional cysts. Cystic parathyroid lesions are a rare cause of hypercalcemia and often pose a diagnostic challenge due to the reduced detection on preoperative imaging studies. We, herein, present a rare case of an elderly female presenting to the emergency department with altered mental status associated with hypercalcemic crisis and a negative sestamibi scan. Following surgical resection, pathology revealed the diagnosis of cystic parathyroid adenoma and normalization of serum calcium levels.