Does 18F-Fluorocholine PET/CT add value to positive parathyroid scintigraphy in the presurgical assessment of primary hyperparathyroidism?

Primary hyperparathyroidism: predictors of sporadic multi-gland disease

In this review, we discuss the definition, prevalence, and etiology of sporadic multiglandular disease (MGD), with an emphasis on its preoperative and intraoperative predictors. Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is the third-most common endocrine disorder, and multiglandular parathyroid disease (MGD) is a cause of PHPT. Hereditary MGD can be definitively diagnosed with detailed family history and genetic testing, whereas sporadic MGD presents a greater challenge in clinical practice, and parathyroidectomy for MGD is associated with a higher risk of surgical failure than single gland disease (SGD). Therefore, it is crucial to be able to predict the presence of sporadic MGD in a timely manner, either preoperatively or intraoperatively. Various predictive methods cannot accurately identify all cases of sporadic MGD, but they can greatly optimize the management of MGD diagnosis and treatment and optimize the cure rate. Future research will urge us to investigate more integrative predictive models as well as increase our understanding of MGD pathogenesis.

Treating intra-thyroid parathyroid adenoma by radiofrequency is a valuable alternative to hemithyroidectomy

BACKGROUND

Parathyroid adenoma (PA) is the most common cause of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). One infrequent scenario (0.7%-6%) is represented by intra-thyroid PA (I-PA), an ectopic variant of the parathyroid gland included in the thyroid parenchyma. Radiofrequency (RF) of I-PA seems to be an excellent alternative to hemithyroidectomy for these patients. The present study aimed to report three cases of PHPT and I-PA treated with RF at two institutions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

These two institutions share guidelines for thyroid RF. At both institutions, cases with surgical indication and difficult PA localization are discussed during thyroid multidisciplinary meetings involving all disciplines involved in managing these cases. RF was performed using a Viva RF System generator (STARMED). Ultrasound contrast evaluation was performed using a SonoVue (Bracco). All patients were followed-up by an expert endocrinologist.

RESULTS

Three cases had indications for treating I-PA. All patients were proposed to undergo RF rather than hemithyroidectomy, and accepted this option. RF of I-PA was performed with a power of 30-50 W and delivering a total between 0.02 and 0.69 Kcal. The active treatment lasted just more than 1 min. Post-treatment follow-up revealed PTH and calcium normalization.

CONCLUSION

This study showed highly encouraging results in favor of treating I-PA with RF.