[Real-time ultrasonographic study of the parathyroid glands. Apropos of 100 explorations]

The authors using high resolution (8 MHz) real-time echotomography have explored 100 patients. They certify that the presence of little hypoechogenic spicules at the periphery of a mass is strongly in relation with a parathyroid. They found in 17 patients signs of hypertrophic parathyroid; 8 of these had surgery with very good results for echotomography in 7 cases. Localizing parathyroid masses before surgery did not shorter time of exploration in these 8 cases. Ultrasonography, if positive, may relate biological troubles to a parathyroid etiology. It appears, that echotomography is a method of choice to survey chronic hemodialysis.