title: Failure of ablation of a mediastinal parathyroid adenoma by repeated contrast staining.
abstract: In a patient with primary hyperparathyroidism an attempt was made to ablate a middle mediastinal parathyroid gland by forceful staining with radiographic contrast material. The gland was stained on two separate occasions, two weeks apart. Both times the serum calcium level temporarily fell to the normal range but reverted to abnormal levels. The patient ultimately required surgery for correction of hypercalcemia. The mechanism of staining and possible reasons for failure as well as potential complications are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000236:Adenoma / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000328:Adult; D002404:Catheterization; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008479:Mediastinal Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010282:Parathyroid Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011859:Radiography; D013194:Staining and Labeling
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media