Role of selective venous catheterization of the small thyroid veins as a diagnostic study in hypercalcemic states

Previous studies of selective venous catheterization stress its value in localizing hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue in patients with an established diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism. Our study presents our experience with selective venous catheterization as a diagnostic aid in differential diagnosis of hypercalcemia. In our four patients, an extensive metabolic work-up did not resolve the differential diagnosis of hypercalcemia, and selective venous catheterization provided the ultimate data that led to the correct diagnosis of hypercalcemia in each patient. Selective venous catheterization can be an important diagnostic study in carefully selected patients with hypercalcemia.