Non-functioning parathyroid adenoma: a rare differential diagnosis for vocal-cord paralysis

Opportunistic CT Assessment of Parathyroid Glands: Utility of Radiologist-Recommended Biochemical Evaluation for Diagnosing Primary Hyperparathyroidism

BACKGROUND. Existing gaps in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) diagnosis and treatment have prompted calls for systemic change in the approach to this disease. One proposed change is opportunistic assessment for enlarged parathyroid glands on routine CT examinations, to target biochemical testing to individuals most likely to have un-diagnosed PHPT. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of our study was to assess the utility of a radiologist recommendation for biochemical testing in patients with a suspected enlarged parathyroid gland on routine CT for identifying previously undiagnosed PHPT. METHODS. This retrospective study included patients without known or suspected PHPT who underwent routine CT (i.e., performed for reasons other than known or suspected parathyroid disease) between August 2019 and September 2021 in which the clinical CT report included a radiologist recommendation for biochemical testing to evaluate for possible PHPT because of a suspected enlarged parathyroid gland. Neuroradiologists at the study institution included this recommendation on the basis of individual judgment without formal criteria. The EHR was reviewed to identify patients who underwent subsequent laboratory evaluation for PHPT. An endocrine surgeon used available laboratory results and clinical data to classify patients as having PHPT, secondary hyper-parathyroidism, or no parathyroid disorder independent of the CT findings. RESULTS. The sample comprised 39 patients (median age, 68 years; 20 women, 19 men) who received the radiologist recommendation for biochemical evaluation. Of these patients, 13 (33.3%) received the recommended biochemical evaluation. Of the 13 tested patients, three (23.1%) were classified as having PHPT, four (30.8%) as having secondary hyperparathyroidism, and six (46.2%) as having no parathyroid disorder. Thus, the number of patients needing to receive a radiologist recommendation for biochemical testing per correct PHPT diagnosis was 13.0, and the number of patients needing to undergo laboratory testing per correct PHPT diagnosis was 4.3. One of the three patients classified as having PHPT underwent surgical resection of the lesion identified by CT, which was shown on histopathologic evaluation to represent hypercellular parathyroid tissue. CONCLUSION. Radiologist recommendations for biochemical testing in patients with suspected enlarged parathyroid glands on routine CT helped to identify individuals with undiagnosed PHPT. CLINICAL IMPACT. Opportunistic assessment for enlarged parathyroid glands on routine CT may facilitate PHPT diagnosis.

Sudden Odynophagia and Globus-A Unique Presentation of a Nonsecreting Parathyroid Adenoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Parathyroid adenomas are most commonly diagnosed when symptoms consistent with primary hyperparathyroidism arise. However, certain parathyroid glands may enlarge without such symptoms. Described here is a case in which a patient presented with acute signs of unilateral cervical point tenderness, dysphagia, and odynophagia. Calcium and parathyroid hormone levels tested within normal range. Imaging revealed an enlarged right-sided mass, with compression of the trachea-esophageal groove and potentially the right recurrent laryngeal nerve. Surgical excision was performed, and final pathology revealed an infarcted parathyroid adenoma. Clinical symptoms promptly resolved thereafter. Current NIH criteria for parathyroidectomy include various symptoms of hyperparathyroidism but do not include the above findings. Nonsecreting parathyroid adenomas rarely cause laryngeal symptoms, as this has only been documented once before.