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Objective: Imaging studies in the setting of primary hyperparathyroidism are performed to rule out an ectopic parathyroid adenoma. Although rare, false-positive scans can cause confusion and possibly more extensive procedures. Method: A 68-year-old woman with parathyroid hormone–dependent hypercalcemia was found to have uptake in the left midclavicular area on the parathyroid scan with sestamibi. Retention of the isotope was considered a possibility, and the sestamibi scan was repeated after injecting the isotope in the right hand and this did not show uptake in the left midclavicular area. Results: Sestamibi is taken up by the mitochondrial-rich adenoma cells and can help identify an ectopic location of the adenoma. Sestamibi scans are commonly performed before neck exploration to rule out an ectopic adenoma and to localize the parathyroid adenoma. Thyroid adenoma and thyroid cancer can also cause retention of isotopes. Retention of the isotope in the vein can also give an illusion of an ectopic parathyroid adenoma. Injecting the isotope in the contralateral hand can overcome this retention issue. Conclusion: Uptake on parathyroid scan outside of normal embryologic decent of the parathyroid gland should raise the possibility of a false-positive uptake.

Primary hyperparathyroidism secondary to ectopic parathyroid (in anterior mediastinum) is rare in children. We report the case of a 12-year-old girl with a history of multiple fractures, renal calculi and limb deformities. She was diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism secondary to an intrathymic parathyroid adenoma. Sestamibi scan showed a lesion in the anterior mediastinum. A biochemical evaluation revealed hypercalcaemia, elevated alkaline phosphatase and parathormone levels. The lesion was marked with radioisotope and confirmed intraoperatively using a gamma camera. The child underwent thoracoscopic left thymectomy with the adenoma. Immediate decrease in calcium and parathyroid hormone values were noted intraoperatively and serial monitoring showed a downward trend. On follow-up, the child is doing well. Ectopic parathyroid adenoma is very rare. CT with radioisotope scans is helpful in diagnosis. Thoracoscopic excision of ectopic adenoma is safe in children.

Abstract Background Parathyroid cancer is a rare cause of primary hyperparathyroidism. It presents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge that may not be recognized preoperatively, and is often not conclusively identified during the operation. We present the case of a lady with backache and hypercalcemia, but with inadequate work-up for her condition for several years. Case presentation A middle aged lady of Asian descent presented with backache. Initial work up revealed mild hypercalcemia, negative work up for multiple myeloma, negative sestamibi scan for parathyroid pathology. A phenomenally elevated parathormone (PTH) level—2105 pg/mL (16–87 pg/mL), and rising serum calcium, 15.1 mg/dL, (8.6–10.5 mg/dL), ordered years later prompted a repeat sestamibi scan and ultrasonography of neck. Based on these investigations, a diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism, with high suspicion of parathyroid cancer was made. The patient underwent surgical tumour resection, with subsequent histopathological confirmation of diagnosis. Conclusion In the setting of hypercalcemia, PTH level assessment is a must. This helps to differentiate between the parathyroid dependant and independent causes of high serum calcium, thereby encouraging a comprehensive pathway to the work up of the cause of hypercalcemia. The parathyroid cancer is a very rare cause of hypercalcemia, which needs to be considered in the differentials of primary hyperparathyroidism, particularly in the setting of high PTH levels.

Introduction: The clinical spectrum of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) has undergone a striking change with asymptomatic form predominant in developed countries, whereas symptomatic form predominant in developing countries. In this study, we have analyzed clinical presentation, investigations, management, operative findings in patients with PHPT at our center. Materials and Method: A retrospective, review of medical records of all patients with PHPT between 2000 and July 2012 at our institute was undertaken. A total of 96 patients were included in this study. Results: The mean age of patients was 50.8 years. Of the 96 patients, 63 were females (65.6%) and 33 were males (34.4%). Among them, 17.7% were asymptomatic and 82.3% were symptomatic. Bone pain was the most common complaint (52%) followed by renal stones (27%). Nearly 10.4% were part of familial PHPT, whereas others were sporadic adenomas. All patients had hypercalcemia (range 10.5-19.4 mg/dl) with elevated parathyroid (PTH) levels (range 32-3820 pg/ml). 25(OH) VitD levels were available in 86 patients (89.6%). There was no correlation between VitaminD levels and symptomatology. Sestamibi scan was true positive in 95.6%, false negative 2.2%, and inconclusive in 2.2%. Ultrasonography (USG) results were true positive in 84.2%, false positive in 6.3%, and false negative in 9.5%. Intraoperative PTH levels were measured in 83.3% patients. Postoperative complications were reported in 20.8% patients. Conclusions: Clinical spectrum of PHPT varies but bones and stones are still the predominant manifestations even in affluent society. Asymptomatic form also exists and can be detected by routine measurement of serum calcium. There was no correlation seen between the 25 VitD levels and clinical symptoms.