Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026
07:12
Establishment of a Simple and Effective Rat Model for Intraoperative Parathyroid Gland Imaging
Published on: August 17, 2022
Giant intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma
Ramon Vilallonga1, Carlos Zafón, Raul Migone
1Department of General Surgery, Universitary Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Journal of Emergencies, Trauma, and Shock
|July 13, 2012
Summary
Acute primary hyperparathyroidism (parathyroid crisis) is a rare but life-threatening endocrine emergency. This case highlights a giant intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma as an unusual cause requiring urgent surgery.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a common endocrine disorder.
- Parathyroid crisis (PC) is a rare, severe manifestation of PHPT with sudden hypercalcemia.
Observation:
- A patient presented with acute depressive symptoms, nausea, and vomiting.
- Laboratory results showed elevated calcium, alkaline phosphatase, and parathyroid hormone, with low phosphorus.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with PC due to a giant intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma.
- Emergency hemithyroidectomy was necessary due to uncontrolled hypercalcemia.
Implications:
- PHPT can present as a life-threatening condition requiring prompt surgical intervention.
- Giant intrathyroidal parathyroid adenomas are an uncommon etiology of PC.
Related Concept Videos
00:59The Parathyroid Glands
The two pairs of parathyroid glands embedded within the posterior surface of the thyroid gland are restricted by a dense capsule around them. These glands comprise two distinct cell populations—parathyroid oxyphil and parathyroid principal cells- pivotal in calcium homeostasis.
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by producing...
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by producing...
01:27Goiter
Goiter refers to an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland that may appear as a diffuse goiter (uniform enlargement) or nodular (single or multiple nodules). Functionally, it is classified as nontoxic (normal/low hormone levels) or toxic (excess hormone production).PathophysiologyDiffuse thyroid enlargement typically results from prolonged stimulation by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) or TSH-like agents, commonly seen in hypothyroidism or iodine deficiency. In contrast, in hyperthyroid...
01:27Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...
01:25Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction
Hyperthyroidism is a type of thyrotoxicosis characterized by the thyroid gland's overproduction of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This hormone excess increases the basal metabolic rate and enhances sensitivity to catecholamines.DiagnosisDiagnosis is based on clinical features and biochemical testing. It typically shows suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels below 0.4 mIU/L, with elevated free T3 and/or T4. Additional tests, including thyroid...
01:23The Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck and covers the anterior surface of the trachea. The gland has two lateral lobes connected by a thin tissue mass called the isthmus. Internally, each lobe comprises many small spherical structures known as thyroid follicles, surrounded by a network of blood vessels.
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
01:24Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...