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Surgical options in treating patients with primary hyperparathyroidism


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Figure 1

18F-fluorocholine (FCH) PET-CT fusion images of patient with pathologic uptake in the right lower parathyroid gland (solitary adenoma).
18F-fluorocholine (FCH) PET-CT fusion images of patient with pathologic uptake in the right lower parathyroid gland (solitary adenoma).

Figure 2

Directed parathyroidectomy. The image shows the incision site and the removed parathyroid tissue.
Directed parathyroidectomy. The image shows the incision site and the removed parathyroid tissue.

Figure 3

Appearance of the incision and surrounding skin 10 days after performing directed parathyroidectomy.
Appearance of the incision and surrounding skin 10 days after performing directed parathyroidectomy.

Figure 4

Total endoscopic parathyroidectomy.
Total endoscopic parathyroidectomy.

The 2014 Fourth International Guidelines for the Management of Asymptomatic PHPT. Patients need to meet at least one of the following criteria to be advised to have surgery

MeasurementCriteria
Age of patient< 50 years
Serum calcium concentration (above the upper reference value)> 0.25 mmol/L (1.0 mg/dL)
Skeletal injurybone mineral density (DXA): T-score < -2.5 SD*
spinal fracture (proven by XR, CT, MRI or VFA)
Renal impairmentcreatinine clearance < 60 mL/min
kidney stones or nephrocalcinosis (proven by XR, US or CT)
24-hour calcium in urine > 10 mmol/L (400 mg/day) or increased risk for kidney stones based on biochemical analysis

Biological actions of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the body. PTH increases the serum calcium concentration and lowers the serum phosphate concentration

Organ systemFunction of PTH
Kidneys (leading role)It increases calcium and decreases phosphate reabsorption, stimulates calcitriol production by increasing the synthesis of the enzyme 1-α hydroxylase in proximal tubules.
SkeletalIt raises calcium levels in blood by increasing bone destruction (via osteoblast-mediated activation of osteoclasts) and decreasing the formation of new bone.
Gastrointestinal systemIt increases calcium absorption by stimulating the production of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol.
Other (minor role, experimental)Metabolic effects (reduced glucose tolerance, changes in fat metabolism), effects on the liver, adipose tissue, cardiovascular system, neuromuscular function.

Clinical presentation of developed primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Symptoms and clinical signs are associated with an elevated serum calcium concentration and/or increased secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH)

Organ systemSymptoms and clinical signs
Generalanorexia, polyuria, polydipsia, weight gain, anaemia
Skeletalosteitis fibrosa cystica (bone pain, decreased bone density or generalized osteoporosis, pathological fractures)
Kidneykidney stones, renal parenchymal calcifications, nephrocalcinosis, chronic renal impairment
Neuromuscularproximal muscle weakness, depression, decline in cognitive ability, psychosis
Cardiovasculararterial hypertension, arrhythmias, left ventricular hypertrophy, vascular wall and myocardial calcification
Gastrointestinalnausea, vomiting, constipation, ulcer disease, pancreatitis
Rheumatologicalgout, pseudogout
eISSN:
1581-3207
Language:
English
Publication timeframe:
4 times per year
Journal Subjects:
Medicine, Clinical Medicine, Internal Medicine, Haematology, Oncology, Radiology