Parathyroid Flashcards
how many parathyroids are there?
usually four
what is the usual position of the inferior parathyroid glands?
posterior and lateral behind the thyroid and below the inferior thyroid artery
what is the most common site of an ‘extra’ gland?
thymus
if only three parathyroid glands are found at surgery, where can the fourth be hiding?
thyroid gland thymus/mediastinum carotid sheath tracheoesophageal groove behind the esophagus
what is the embryologic origin of the superior parathyroid glands?
fourth pharyngeal pouch
what is the embryologic origin of the inferior parathyroid glands?
third pharyngeal pouch
what supplies blood to all four parathyroid glands?
inferior thyroid artery
what is the most common cause of hypercalcemia in outpatients?
hyperparathyroidism
what cell type produces PTH?
chief cells produce PTH
what are the major actions of PTH?
increases blood calcium levels
- takes from bone breakdown, GI absorption, increased resorption from kidney, excretion of phosphate by kidney
decreases serum phosphage
how does vitamin D work?
increases intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate
where is calcium absorbed?
duodenum and proximal jejunum
define primary hyperparathyroidism?
increased secretion of PTH by parathyroid glands
- marked by elevated calcium, low phosphorus
define secondary hyperparathyroidism?
increases serum PTH resulting from calcium wasting caused by renal failure or decreased GI calcium absorption, rickets or osteomalacia
- calcium levels are usually low
define tertiary hyperparathyroidism?
persistant hyperparathyroidism after correction of secondary hyperparathyroidism
- results from autonomous PTH secretion not responsive to the normal negative feedback due to elevated Ca2+ levels
what are the methods of imaging the parathyroids?
surgical operation
ultrasound
sestamibi scan
CT scan
what are the indications for a localizing preoperative study?
reoperation for recurrent hyperparathyroidism
what its the most common cause of primary hyperparathyroidism?
adenoma