[Sonographic localization of parathyroid adenomas in hyperparathyroidism]

The diagnostic efficacy of sonography for localisation of adenomas of the parathyroid glands in the neck region was investigated in 13 patients with hypercalcaemia and increased serum parathormone levels. Solitary parathyroid adenoma was demonstrated in all patients. The diagnosis was confirmed by surgery in 12 patients. In one patient, adenoma of the parathyroid can be assumed due to sonographically demonstrated increase in size and increase of serum parathormone. Adenomas of the parathyroid are characterised sonographically by typical dorsal position at the posterior surface of the thyroid, by echo-paucity and echo-density of the "capsular structure" around the adenomas. Sonography is suitable as screening method in hypercalcaemia and in increased parathormone serum levels for preoperative localisation of parathyroid adenomas.