19 - Parathyroid Disease

Question 1

What is the BEST imaging test to visualize the parathyroid gland?

Answer 1

Technetium-99m Sestamibi

KNOW THIS **

Other options are ultrasound or rapid serum PTH assay during surgery, however the Technetium-99m Sestamibi is the BEST***

Question 2

What causes secondary HYPERparathyroidism?

Answer 2

• Patient has low or near normal calcium and high PTH
• This is a NORMAL response of parathyroid to low levels of calcium in an effort to maintain serum calcium levels within the normal rage

* KNOW THIS ***

Question 3

What is the most common cause of acute or chronic HYPOparathyroidism?

Answer 3

DAMAGE FROM SURGERY

Injury/removal of parathyroid glands during neck surgery is the most common cause of acute or chronic HYPOparathryoidism

* KNOW THIS*

Question 4

Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism have symptoms secondary to what elevated electrolyte?

Answer 4

** Calcium **

Calcium is elevated

Question 5

What is the best scan for localization of a parathyroid adenoma?

Answer 5

Technetium-99m Sestamibi is the BEST***

Question 6

Describe secondary hyperparathyroidism

Answer 6

Secondary Hyperparathyroidism is a normal response of the parathyroid to low calcium.

Question 7

What is the most common cause of hypoparathyroidism?

Answer 7

Hypoparathyroidism is most commonly secondary to neck surgery.