Spontaneous extracapsular parathyroid adenoma hemorrhage: when surgery is required?

PURPOSE

Spontaneous bleeding is a rare but serious complication of parathyroid adenomas and few cases were reported in the literature. Clinical manifestations and treatment may vary but sometimes an immediate surgery is required. In other cases a conservative approach can be preferred based on clinical stability and patients' conditions. The purpose of this work is to describe our case and to carry out a review of the current literature on this topic.

METHODS

We reported a case of a parathyroid adenoma hemorrhage in an elderly patient describing its management. Moreover, a literature review of 57 cases was carried out, with the aim of collecting data about the most involved parathyroid gland and identifying the most correct management based on clinical manifestations and chosen treatments.

RESULTS

The patients had an age between 29 and 81 years (mean 56.9 ± 16.4 years). Forty-four patients were females (77.2%), whereas 12 were males (21.8%). Based on clinical severity, age, comorbidities and calcemic status, three possible scenarios were identified, each with a recommended management.

CONCLUSIONS

In parathyroid adenoma hemorrhages a careful clinical assessment is crucial to identify emergency conditions requiring immediate intubation, tracheostomy or neck exploration. Elderlies and comorbid patients have a higher risk of perioperative complications and indication for surgery should be evaluated case by case: whenever feasible, a conservative approach should be preferred in these subjects, especially in those with a stable course and without hypercalcemia-related symptoms.

Acute airway compromise due to parathyroid tumour apoplexy: an exceptionally rare and potentially life-threatening presentation

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous haemorrhage into a parathyroid adenoma is a rare and potentially life-threatening presentation.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report the case of a 45 year old female recently diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism who presented with chest discomfort and acute airway compromise due to spontaneous extracapsular haemorrhage into a parathyroid adenoma. Computed tomography (CT) imaging showed a hypopharyngeal haematoma extending 10 cm into the superior mediastinum. Surgical decompression of the cyst followed by enbloc resection of the parathyroid tumour was performed after elective intubation. Calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels had fallen prior to surgery and remain normal post-operatively.

CONCLUSION

Spontaneous parathyroid haemorrhage should be considered in any patient with unexplained spontaneous cervical haemorrhage, particularly if there is a history of hyperparathyroidism. Initial evaluation of such patients should include serum calcium and PTH as well as imaging.

[Spontaneous retropharyngeal hematoma: a rare differential diagnosis of acute dysphagia]

Spontaneous retropharyngeal hematoma is a rare but potentially fatal disease. It occurs with no underlying medical condition such as trauma, hemorrhagic diathesis, or medically induced anticoagulation.We report a case of a 48-year-old man who presented with progressive dysphagia, signs of inflammation, and a reduced general health status. There was distinct hemorrhagic swelling of the posterior and lateral walls of the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx, as well as red discoloration of the neck. No underlying medical conditions, medications, or trauma were reported.In light of the current case and the available literature, we present the necessary diagnostic procedures and treatment options. Because the course of this disease might be fatal due to rapid airway obstruction and progressive internal blood loss, it is of utmost importance to keep this diagnosis in mind for differential diagnostic considerations.