[Diagnosis of parathyroid cysts: value of parathyroid hormone level in puncture fluid].
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.
Nozeran
S
S
Service d'Endocrinologie, Nutrition, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Angers.
Duquenne
M
M
Guyetant
S
S
Rodien
P
P
Rohmer
V
V
Ronceray
J
J
Saint-André
J P
JP
Bigorgne
J C
JC
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
D010281:Parathyroid Hormone
Diagnostic des kystes parathyroïdiens: intérêt du dosage de la parathormone dans le liquide de ponction.