Ultrasound-guided parathyroid aspiration to diagnose parathyroid adenomas.
OBJECTIVE
To ascertain the accuracy of ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration and parathyroid hormone assay in the identification of parathyroid adenomas.


METHODS
Case study.


METHODS
Tertiary referral clinic.


METHODS
12 subjects, consisting of 10 female and two male patients, with documented primary hyperaparathyroidism.


METHODS
Ultrasonography of the parathyroid glands was performed using an Acuson XP 128 machine with a linear array 7.5 MHz multihertz probe. Following accurate localization of the parathyroid lesion, fine needle aspiration was performed using a 23 gauge needle, and parathyroid hormone assay was performed on the aspirate. Preoperative localization was compared with intra-operative findings.


RESULTS
Ultrasound examination detected 10 out of a possible 12 parathyroid adenomas (83% sensitivity), while ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration only confirmed nine out of the 12 adenomas (75% sensitivity).


CONCLUSIONS
While ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration may be simple and with minimal morbidity, it does not appear to provide any advantage over ultrasound examination alone for the localization of parathyroid adenomas. It has a potential role in defining the nature of ultrasonically localized nodules.
Campbell
J
J
Department of Endocrinology, St George Hospital, Kogarah, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Diamond
T
T
North
L
L
D000236:Adenoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006961:Hyperparathyroidism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010282:Parathyroid Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000295:instrumentation*