Preliminary application of color Doppler flow imaging in the localization of parathyroid adenomas

From December 1991 to April 1993, we performed color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) in 11 patients with parathyroid adenoma, and all cases were confirmed by operation and pathology. In all the parathyroid adenomas, vessels were clearly revealed at the periphery of the upper pole and/or anterior periphery, where arterial signals were elicited. These arteries had branches into the adenomas and originated from inferior thyroid arteries on the same side in most cases. The internal flow signals were increased markedly as compared to normal thyroid, and high-velocity arterial signals were detected. Because of the thyroid's rich blood supply and landmark peripheral vessels, CDFI can distinguish parathyroid foci from thyroid nodules, lymph nodes, and normal tissues and provide a sound basis for the diagnosis of small parathyroid foci.