Primary Hyperparathyroidism

The cases of 60 patients who underwent parathyroidectomy are described. Past, present and future aspects of the diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism, are discussed. In several patients in the series renal calculi had been present for over 20 years before the diagnosis was made. The reasons for this delay are considered.     

Asymptomatic Primary Hyperparathyroidism

The clinical profile of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) as it is seen in the United States and most Western countries has evolved significantly over the past half century. The introduction of the multichannel serum autoanalyzer in the 1970s led to the recognition of a cohort of individuals with asymptomatic hypercalcemia, in whom evaluation led to the diagnosis of PHPT. The term “asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism” was introduced to describe patients who lack obvious signs and symptoms referable to either excess calcium or parathyroid hormone. Although it was expected that asymptomatic patients would eventually develop classical symptoms of PHPT, observational data suggest that most patients do not evolve over time to become overtly symptomatic. In most parts of the world, the asymptomatic phenotype of PHPT has replaced classical PHPT. This report is a selective review of data on asymptomatic PHPT: its demographic features, presentation and natural history, as well as biochemical, skeletal, neuromuscular, psychological, and cardiovascular manifestations. In addition, we will summarize available information on treatment indications and options for those with asymptomatic disease.     

Normocalcemic Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Primary hyperparathyroidism, a common endocrine disorder, is traditionally defined by hypercalcemia and elevated levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH). A newer presentation of primary hyperparathyroidism has been described over the past decade, in which PTH is elevated but serum calcium is consistently normal, in the absence of secondary causes of hyperparathyroidism, such as renal disease or vitamin D deficiency. Recognition of this phenotype of primary hyperparathyroidism, normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism, supports a biphasic chronological time course in some individuals in which PTH levels are first elevated but serum calcium is normal, followed by the development of frank hypercalcemia. This review focuses on the available literature regarding this newly described phenotype of primary hyperparathyroidism.     

原发性甲状旁腺功能亢进的诊断与治疗

原发性甲状旁腺功能亢进症（primaryhyperpa-rathyroidism,PHPT）是由于病变的甲状旁腺组织合成和分泌过多的甲状旁腺激素（PTH）引起高血钙、低血磷及高尿钙的一种多系统疾病。     

Epidemiology of Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Primary hyperparathyroidism is the third most common endocrine disorder. The epidemiology of this disorder is increasingly well understood, but significant limitations still exist in our understanding of the mortality, hospitalizations, incidence, prevalence, and costs associated with this condition. These limitations are due to the small number of population-based epidemiologic studies that have evaluated this condition. Further studies will be required to fully characterize the epidemiology of primary hyperparathyroidism.     

原发性甲状旁腺功能亢进症的治疗

原发性甲状旁腺功能亢进症在黄种人是少见病，国内仅几家大医院积累病例超过100例，北京协和医院自1980年到目前为止．诊治过250例。据我们的资料，85％是甲状旁腺腺瘤(其中98％是单侧腺瘤)．11％是甲状旁腺增生，4％是腺癌，这三种病变临床上均出现原发性甲状旁腺功能亢进症．治疗的惟一方法是外科手术摘除．病理不同，手术方法不同，就我们的经验，结合国外文献报道．分述如下。     

Gastrectomy as a Remedial Operation for Failed Fundoplication

The decision for, and choice of, a remedial antireflux procedure after a failed fundoplication is a challenging clinical problem. Success depends upon many factors including the primary symptom responsible for failure, the severity of underlying anatomic and physiologic defects, and the number and type of previous remedial attempts. Satisfactory outcomes after reoperative fundoplication have been reported to be as low as 50%. Consequently, the ideal treatment option is not clear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of gastrectomy as a remedial antireflux procedure for patients with a failed fundoplication. The study population consisted of 37 patients who underwent either gastrectomy (n = 12) with Roux-en-Y reconstruction or refundoplication (n = 25) between 1997–2005. Average age, M/F ratio, and preoperative BMI were not significantly different between the two groups. Outcome measures included perioperative morbidity, relief of primary and secondary symptoms, and the patients’ overall assessment of outcome. Mean follow up was 3.5 and 3.3 years in the gastrectomy and refundoplication groups, respectively (p = 0.43). Gastrectomy patients had a higher prevalence of endoscopic complications of GERD (58% vs 4%, p = 0.006) and of multiple prior fundoplications than those having refundoplication (75% vs 24%, p = 0.004). Mean symptom severity scores were improved significantly by both gastrectomy and refundoplication, but were not significantly different from each other. Complete relief of the primary symptom was significantly greater after gastrectomy (89% vs 50%, p = 0.044). Overall patient satisfaction was similar in both groups (p = 0.22). In-hospital morbidity was higher after gastrectomy than after refundoplication (67% vs 20%, p = 0.007) and new onset dumping developed in two gastrectomy patients. In select patients with severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and multiple previous fundoplications, primary symptom resolution occurs significantly more often after gastrectomy than after repeat fundoplication. Gastrectomy, however, is associated with higher morbidity. Gastrectomy is an acceptable treatment option for recurrent symptoms particularly when another attempt at fundoplication is ill advised, such as in the setting of multiple prior fundoplications or failed Collis gastroplasty. Presented at the 47th Annual Meeting of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, Los Angeles, California, May 20–24, 2006.     

Apoptosis in Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is defined by inappropriate elevation of parathormone, caused by parathyroid hyperplasia, also known as multi-gland disease (MGD), parathyroid adenoma (PA), or parathyroid carcinoma (PC). Although several studies have already been conducted, there is a lack of a definite diagnostic marker, which could unambiguously distinguish MGD from PA or PC. The accurate and prompt diagnosis has the key meaning for effective treatment and follow-up. This review paper presents the role of apoptosis in PHPT. The comparison of the expression of Fas, TRAIL, BCL-2 family members, p53 in MGD, PA, and PC, among others, was described. The expression of described factors varies among proliferative lesions of parathyroid gland; therefore, these could serve as additional markers to assist in the diagnosis.     

Minimally Invasive Radio-guided Surgery for Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Background Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy can reduce operative morbidity and operative time.1,2 Radio-guided parathyroidectomy utilizing Tc-99m Sestamibi is one approach to minimally invasive parathyroidectomy.3,4 Here, we report a multimedia case study of minimally invasive radio-guided parathyroidectomy. Methods A 60-year-old African American female was found to have total calcium of 11.1 mg/dl, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) of 175 pg/ml, and a 24-h urine calcium of 620 mg/24 h. A Tc-99 Sestamibi scan (23.5 mCi of Tc-99 Sestamibi injected i.v.) and ultrasound localized a candidate adenoma to the right upper position. The patient was injected with 5.3 mCi Tc-99m Sestamibi 3 h before incision. Results A gamma probe (C-Trak Automatic System, Care Wise Medical Products) recorded in vivo counts of the right upper parathyroid (3,465) that were 160% of the background. Background counts were recorded from the resected tumor bed (2,224). A 1.4-g adenoma was identified in this location; ex vivo counts (3,226) were 150% of the background.5 Intra-operative iPTH baseline values were 176 pg/ml and 148 pg/ml, and 5- and 10-min post-resection levels were 17 pg/ml (90% drop) and 18 pg/ml (90% drop), respectively. The patient’s recovery was uncomplicated. At 1 week postoperatively, total calcium was 8.9 mg/dl and iPTH was 16 pg/ml. At 1 year, the calcium and iPTH levels were 8.7 mg/dl and 53 pg/ml, respectively. Conclusions Radio-guided minimally invasive parathyroidectomy using Tc-99 Sestamibi localization is an effective approach to hyperparathyroidism. For patients without localization, exposure of all four parathyroid glands is preferable.6,7 Surgeons should be familiar with both techniques. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. The costs of publication of this article were defrayed in part by the payment of page charges. This article must therefore be hereby marked advertisement in accordance with 18 U.S.C. Section 1734, solely to indicate this fact.     

Stepwise Approach for Parathyroid Localisation in Primary Hyperparathyroidism

World Journal of Surgery - Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a relatively common condition in surgical practice. Availability of localisation studies has shifted the treatment from bilateral...     

Minimally Invasive, Radioguided Surgery for Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Background: Primary hyperparathyroidism affects 1 in 700 individuals in the United States. A single adenoma is responsible in over 85% of cases. Surgery remains the most effective treatment. This study was designed to assess the feasibility of minimally invasive radioguided parathyroidectomy MIRP with confirmation of excision by ex vivo radioactivity alone.Methods: Seventy-five consecutive patients with primary hyperparathyroidism were prospectively studied. Following sestamibi scan, patients underwent unilateral neck exploration guided by a handheld gamma probe, which was also used to measure ex vivo radioactivity of excised tissue.Results: The sestamibi scan was positive in 88% of the patients. A small incision mean, 3.2 ± 0.3 cm was sufficient. Ectopic gland sites were localized in five patients with positive scans and single adenomas. Mean operative time was 48 minutes range, 15–125 minutes, with shorter procedures after the initial 20 cases mean, 24 vs. 72 minutes; P < .01. Radioguided parathyroidectomy was successful in 97%, with a mean follow-up of 11 months range, 1–26 months. As noted previously, adenomatous parathyroid glands contained more than 20% of the background radioactivity.Conclusions: MIRP is a feasible alternative to bilateral dissection with the advantages of guided dissection and rapid confirmation, and may become the procedure of choice for primary hyperparathyroidism.     

Nontraditional Manifestations of Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Classical primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) was previously a multisystemic symptomatic disorder not only with overt skeletal and renal complications but also with neuropsychological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and rheumatic effects. The presentation of PHPT has evolved, and today most patients are asymptomatic. Osteitis fibrosa cystica is rarely seen today, and nephrolithiasis is less common. Gastrointestinal and rheumatic symptoms are not part of the clinical spectrum of modern PHPT. It remains unclear whether neuropsychological symptoms and cardiovascular disease, neither of which are currently indications for recommending parathyroidectomy (PTX), are part of the modern phenotype of PHPT. A number of observational studies suggest that mild PHPT is associated with depression, decreased quality of life, and changes in cognition, but limited data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have not indicated consistent benefits after surgery. The increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in severe PHPT has not been definitively demonstrated in mild disease, although there is some evidence for more subtle cardiovascular abnormalities, such as increased vascular stiffness, among others. Results from observational studies that have assessed the effect of PTX on cardiovascular health have been conflicting. The single RCT in this area did not demonstrate that PTX was beneficial. Despite recent progress in these areas, more data from rigorously designed studies are needed to better inform the clinical management of patients with asymptomatic PHPT.     

Surgical Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a common endocrine disorder in which the inappropriate elevation in serum parathyroid hormone level results in hypercalcemia. Most cases are caused by a single adenomatous parathyroid gland and less than 15% are caused by multiglandular disease. The incidence of PHPT appears to be increasing. More patients are being identified earlier and often before symptoms develop. Parathyroidectomy is the only definitive management; with it, the patient can achieve biochemical homeostasis and symptom relief, and sequelae are prevented. Even for asymptomatic patients with PHPT, there is a growing trend to recommend early surgical intervention. Controversy continues regarding the role of and reliance on various technologies, such as preoperative localization imaging, intraoperative parathyroid hormone level measurements, and minimally invasive surgery. Although both traditional bilateral 4-gland exploration and targeted approaches are accepted surgical techniques, there is a growing trend in unilateral targeted operations often using these technologies. Regardless of surgical approach, the expected success rate is greater than 95%. This article provides an overview of the contemporary surgical management of PHPT.     

原发性甲状旁腺功能亢进症手术疗效(附32例随访)

原发性甲状旁腺功能亢进症(primaryhyperparathy鄄roidism,PHPT)是一种临床表现多样化的内分泌疾患,严重时可致病人虚弱、残废,手术治疗是主要手段。旨在了解手术后术前存在的多种临床表现,尤其骨骼系统病变是否满意。我们对1992年1月至2002年6月收治的32例经手术治疗的PHPT进行了随访,现报告如下。临床资料1.一般资料32例病人中女22例,男10例;年龄15～79岁;病程3个月至17年。2.临床表现术前主要表现为以骨痛为主的多种骨病变及高血钙症状。32例均有不同程度不同部位骨痛,以下肢及脊柱多见,12例出现步态异常,表现为跛行或摇摆步,15例多…     

1112 Consecutive Bilateral Neck Explorations for Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Background Bilateral neck exploration has been the standard approach for patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Improved localization studies and the availability of intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring have challenged the necessity of four-gland exploration. In this series we report a single surgeon’s experience with bilateral neck exploration for primary hyperparathyroidism in an effort to establish benchmark outcomes from which to evaluate minimally invasive protocols. Methods The charts of 1112 consecutive patients who underwent neck exploration for primary hyperparathyroidism by a single surgeon over a 17-year period were reviewed. All patients underwent bilateral neck exploration under either general (n = 264) or local (n = 848) anesthesia. Results The overall cure rate was 97.4% with a complication rate of 3.4%. Morbidity included recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (0.2%), postoperative bleeding (0.8%), and transient hypocalcemia (1.8%). There was no mortality. Overall mean operating time was 52.5 ± 30.2 minutes. A single gland was removed in 78.4% of patients, and 22.3% of patients underwent concomitant thyroidectomy. The cure rate was lower for patients undergoing reexploration (89.2% vs. 97.9%, p < 0.05). Choice of anesthetic approach did not affect the cure or complication rate. The overall conversion rate from local to general anesthesia was 1.5%. Patients undergoing general anesthesia were operated on earlier in the series and were less likely to be managed on an ambulatory basis (local 87.5% vs. general 38.4%, p < 0.05). During the last 5 years of the series, more than 90% of patients underwent exploration under local anesthesia. Conclusion This large modern series of neck explorations for primary hyperparathyroidism confirms the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of the bilateral approach. It further demonstrates that individual surgeons can achieve outcomes equivalent to those with four-gland explorations under local anesthesia.     

Preoperative Imaging for Parathyroid Localization in Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Background : We retrospectively studied the results of diagnostic imaging using 3 different modalities to determine their usefulness for preoperative localization of the parathyroid, and whether accurate preoperative localization information could be used to modify the surgical approach for parathyroidectomy in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.
Methods : Images of 37 parathyroid adenomas or hyperplasias in 35 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism were obtained using ultrasonography, computed tomography, and subtraction scintigraphy (using thallium 201 [thallous chloride] and either iodine 123 or technetium 99m pertechnetate [^99mTcO₄]).
Results : Approximately three fourths of the adenomas or hyperplasias were successfully identified by ultrasound (76.7%) and computed tomography (76.4%), even when the weight of the tumor was less than 500 mg. However, subtraction scintigraphy was of limited use (61.3% successfully identified). A combination of these modalities gave excellent results for detecting adenomas and hyperplasias, leading to an accurate prediction rate of 96.0%.
Conclusion : We conclude that using the combination of these 3 imaging modalities is very useful for the detection of parathyroid adenomas and hyperplasias, and that with such accurate localization information, the unilateral approach alone, or even simple excision of the parathyroid tumors might be feasible, enabling less invasive surgical treatment.     

Medical Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is the most common cause of hypercalcemia in the outpatient population. It is diagnosed in most individuals in the Western world at an asymptomatic stage without signs or symptoms of parathyroid hormone (PTH) calcium excess. Nonspecific symptoms include weakness, malaise, fatigue, and possible mood disturbances, which may be present at the time of diagnosis. The diagnosis of PHPT is confirmed in the presence of hypercalcemia and a normal or elevated PTH level in the absence of conditions that mimic PHPT. Indications for surgery have recently been revised based on international consensus, and surgery is advised in the presence of significant hypercalcemia, impaired renal function, and osteoporosis and in individuals younger than 50 yr. The classical complications of PHPT are skeletal fragility, nephrolithiasis, and nephrocalcinosis. Surgery is always appropriate in an individual with confirmed PHPT after excluding conditions that can mimic PHPT and in the absence of contraindications. Individuals with asymptomatic PHPT not meeting the guidelines for surgery or those with contraindications for surgery may be followed and considered for medical management. For those at an increased risk of fragility fracture, antiresorptive therapy may be considered with close monitoring of biochemical data and bone densitometry. Targeted therapy with a calcimimetic agent may be of value in lowering serum calcium and PTH. There are currently no fracture data for the medical options available, and prospective randomized controlled trials are required to confirm the effects of medical therapy on fracture risk reduction in those with asymptomatic PHPT.     

Mechanisms of Primary Operative Failure and Results of Remedial Operation in Patients with Chronic Pancreatitis

Introduction  Resection and drainage operations achieve long-term pain relief in approximately 85% of patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP). In patients who develop recurrent pain, a few data exist on the long-term results of remedial operations. Materials and methods  Over an 18-year period (1988–2006), 316 patients with CP had primary resection or drainage operations at our institution. Thirty-nine developed recurrent pain and were treated by a remedial resection or drainage operation. Patient demographics, time to symptom recurrence, radiographic anatomic abnormalities, type of remedial operation, postoperative morbidity, and long-term outcomes were analyzed. Results  Thirty-nine patients, 56% female with a mean age of 41 years (range 16–61 years) had either remedial resection: total pancreatectomy (TP; N = 8), pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD; N = 6), distal pancreatectomy (DP; N = 5), or drainage operation: duodenal preserving pancreatic head resection (DPPHR; N = 8), revision of pancreaticojejunostomy (N = 12). TP achieved pain relief in 88% with postoperative complications greater than or equal to grade III in 38% and diabetes in 100%. Drainage operations achieved pain relief in 67% of patients with postoperative complications greater than or equal to grade III in only 8%. Partial parenchymal resections (DPPHR, PD, DP) as a remedial procedure achieved pain relief <50% of the time. Conclusion  Drainage procedures, when anatomically feasible, are the preferred reoperation to treat patients with recurrent pain after failed primary operation for chronic pancreatitis. Presented at the 49th annual meeting of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, May 20, 2008, San Diego, California.