Chapter 124: Management of Parathyroid Disorders

Question 1

Average dimensions of parathyroid glands:

Answer 1

5 x 3 x 1 mm

or

3 to 6 mm in in length, 2 to 4 mm in width and 0.5 to 2 mm in thickness

Question 2

The ______ of parathyroid glands is the hallmark in the evaluation of their functional status.

Answer 2

stromal fat content.

However, variability of fat content reported by different studies suggests that measurement of stromal fat within parathyroid glands has become a NEARLY USELESS indicator of function.

Question 3

Usual number of parathyroid glands found in humans

Answer 3

Four

Question 4

Supernumerary thyroids are most commonly found within the ____ or in relation to the ______

Answer 4

thymus, thyrothymic tract

Question 5

PARATHYROID GLAND LOCATION:

Location of superior parathyroid glands (80%)

Answer 5

Superior:

at the cricothyroid junction, approximately 1 CM CRANIAL to the juxtapositiono f the RLN and ITA

Question 6

PARATHYROID GLAND LOCATION:

Location of the inferior parathyroid glands (more than 50%)
28%

Answer 6

> 50%: near lower pole of the thyroid gland;

28%: within the THYROTHYMIC LIGAMENT

The migratory pattern of inferior parathyroid glands tends to follow a pathway into the anterior superior mediastinum, where one third of all missed parathyroid tumors may be found.

Question 7

PARATHYROID GLAND LOCATION:

Relationship of RLN to Superior and Inferior PT Glands in a coronal plane.

Answer 7

Superior: Dorsal (deep)

Inferior:
Ventral (superficial)

to RLN in a coronal plane

Question 8

VASCULAR ANATOMY OF THE PARATHYROID GLANDS:

Usual blood supply of the Superior and Inferior Parathyroid Glands

Answer 8

Inferior Thyroid Artery

Question 9

HISTOPATHOLOGY of PT Glands:

Major functional parenchymal cells of PT Gland:
Second cell type:

Answer 9

Major: Chief Cells

Second Cell type: Oxyphil cells

Oxyphil cells tend to be richer in mitochondria, which may
explain the increased ability of abnormal parathyroid glands
with high oxyphil cell concentrations to concentrate techne
tium
99m (Tc 99m) sestamibi.

Question 10

Most common cause of Hyperparathyroidism

Which PT are more involved?

Answer 10

PT Adenoma

Inferior PT

Question 11

Dominant cell types in PT adenomas:

Answer 11

Chief cells

Question 12

Gross appearance of a parathyroid adenoma

Shape:
Color:
Consistency:

Answer 12

Shape: Oval or bean
Color: Reddish brown
Consistency: Soft

In 70% of adenomas, a rim of
normal parathyroid tissue may be found around the hypercel
lular
portion of the replaced normal gland. The absence of
this characteristic does not exclude the presence of a parathy
roid
adenoma, however