Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 10, 2025
Establishment of a Simple and Effective Rat Model for Intraoperative Parathyroid Gland Imaging
Published on: August 17, 2022
Ectopic pure mediastinal parathyroid adenoma: A case report
Hanan M Hemead1, Ahmed Abdelaziz Abdellatif1, Mostafa A Abdel Rahman1
1Alexandria Faculty of Medicine, Champollion Street, Al Mesallah Sharq, Al Attarin, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt.
Introduction And Importance:
The ectopic parathyroid adenoma is an important cause of refractory and recurrent hyperparathyroidism. The mediastinal location of ectopic parathyroid tissue is reported in up to 20% of cases of ectopic parathyroid adenomas. In around 2% of cases where cervical approach is unfeasible, the mediastinal route imposes a surgical challenge.
Case Presentation:
We describe a case of a twenty-five-year-old male patient with manifestations of hyperparathyroidism. Computed tomography of the chest showed an anterior mediastinal mass. Nuclear scintigraphy detected a functioning parathyroid tissue in the mediastinum. The mass was excised en block with the surrounding adipose tissue using a three-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. The patient showed a full symptomatic and laboratory recovery.
Clinical Discussion:
Mediastinal parathyroid glands comprise a unique surgical entity with diagnostic and management difficulties.
Conclusion:
Mediastinal parathyroid gland is a rare yet important cause of refractory hypercalcemia. The current localization tools improve the thoracoscopic management of MPAs. VATS can provide access and exposure to ectopic parathyroid adenoma with low morbidity.
