Successful implant of long-term cryopreserved parathyroid glands after total parathyroidectomy

BACKGROUND: Parathyroid cryopreservation is essential in some cases of parathyroid surgery. The fate of autografted tissue after long-term cryopreservation is not fully discussed in the literature. METHODS: The successful experience with the use of parathyroid tissues preserved for 21 months and 30 months is reported. RESULTS: Both patients were women with renal hyperparathyroidism who underwent total parathyroidectomy without autotransplantation. Patient 1 was a 40-year-old woman. At 21 months of follow-up, her parathyroid hormone (PTH) level was undetectable, and despite oral calcium supplements, she was hypocalcemic. Forty-five cryopreserved fragments were thawed and implanted in her forearm. Calcium levels improved, and PTH steadily increased in both arms. PTH levels at 18 months after the autograft were 37.0 pg/mL in the contralateral arm and 1150.0 pg/mL in the implant arm. Patient 2 was a 44-year-old woman. After 30 months, her PTH was undetectable, and she underwent cryopreserved tissue implantation. CONCLUSION: These cases show that parathyroid tissue may remain viable even after long-term storage.