Treatment of hyperparathyroidism by percutaneous embolization of a mediastinal adenoma

Percutaneous embolization of parathyroid adenomas was attempted in three hypercalcemic patients with previously unsuccessful neck explorations. Two adenomas were in the mediastinum and the third was within the thyroid lobe. Autologous clot, Gelfoam, and silicone rubber were used to obstruct feeding arteries. The intrathyroidal adenoma failed to respond but both mediastinal adenomas were infarcted. Hyperparathyroidism recurred after 7 months in one patient but the other remains normocalcemic 8 months postembolization.