title: [Diagnosis of parathyroid cysts: value of parathyroid hormone level in puncture fluid].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Determine a means of establishing the diagnosis of parathyroid cysts preoperatively.
  
  
  METHODS
  Classically, crystal-clear watery fluid removed by fine-needle aspiration of a suspected thyroid mass raises the suspicion of a parathyroid cyst. Immunoradiometric assay of parathyroid hormone level in the fluid may give the diagnosis sparing unnecessary surgery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Over the last 5 years, among the 12 patients presenting a suspected thyroid cyst containing a crystal-clear fluid, we were able to diagnose 3 cases of parathyroid cysts due to the considerable elevation of parathyroid hormone in the puncture fluid. None of these patients had hyperparathyroidism. In patients with a thyroid cyst, parathyroid hormone level in the puncture fluid was nil.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The parathyroid nature of cervical cysts containing crystal-clear fluid can be established by assaying parathyroid hormone in the puncture fluid. Non-functional parathyroid cysts may be treated by repeated aspiration. Serum calcium level must be checked regularly to detect potential hyperparathryoidism.
authors.affiliation: Service d'Endocrinologie, Nutrition, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Angers.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nozeran
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Duquenne
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Guyetant
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rodien
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Rohmer
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ronceray
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Saint-André
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Bigorgne
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D003560:Cysts / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010279:Parathyroid Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D010280:Parathyroid Glands / Q000473:pathology; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone / Q000032:analysis*; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D010281:Parathyroid Hormone
vernacular_title: Diagnostic des kystes parathyroïdiens: intérêt du dosage de la parathormone dans le liquide de ponction.