[Diagnosis and treatment of parathyroid adenomas]

The classical manifestations of primary hyperparathyroidism (hypercalcemia, hypophosphatemia, hypercalciuria, increased blood alkaline phosphatase level, and bone changes of the type of generalized osteoporosis) were found in approximately half of patients in a group of 23 who were examined. When Recklinghausen's disease is suspected, the patients must be subjected to a purposeful examination. The intraoperative diagnosis of parathyroid adenoma is difficult. In distinction from thyroid tissue, a lymph node, and adipose tissue a parathyroid adenoma almost always has a vascular pedicle, which makes verification of the diagnosis easier.