Objective: To present first-line thoracic surgery made possible by localization studies in three patients with ectopic parathyroid adenomas.
Design and methods: Three patients with ectopic parathyroid tissue in the mediastinum were examined by ultrasound, technetium-99m sestamibi scintigraphy, computed tomography (CT), and venous catheterization with measurement of parathyroid hormone. Without previous cervical exploration, video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) was used in all cases to avoid the need for thoracic open surgical procedures.
Results and conclusions: The mediastinal parathyroid glands were all detected at scintigraphy, and CT and venous catheterization were helpful in anatomic and functioning characterization. All pathologic glands were successfully resected, with only one minor complication. VATS can safely remove a deep mediastinal parathyroid adenoma and avoid more aggressive open approaches. In an experienced referral center, systematic and sophisticated imaging studies may accurately identify and localize rare ectopic parathyroid adenomas, and avoid cervical surgery.