Intraoperative Localisation of Ectopic Parathyroid Adenoma with a Magnetic Marker

Abstract

Background

Primary hyperparathyroidism is a common clinical condition but identifying hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands can prove a diagnostic challenge preoperatively. Intraoperatively a systemic exploration might be warranted to localise the affected tissue, especially when the glands are in an ectopic position. Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy is an effective and safe surgical technique. To facilitate a focused parathyroidectomy for an ectopic parathyroid gland effective use of pre- or intraoperative ultrasound has been described but has several limitations.

Case report

We present a patient with primary hyperparathyroidism due to an ectopic parathyroid adenoma located between the left carotid artery and the hyoid bone. A magnetic marker was used to localise this ectopic gland intraoperatively and a parathyroidectomy was performed. Histology confirmed a parathyroid adenoma. The patient could be discharged without postoperative complications and normalisation of parathyroid hormone levels.

Conclusion

A magnetic marker can be a safe and effective method to localise ectopic parathyroid glands during focused parathyroidectomy. Further proof of concept studies seems to be warranted.

Keywords

Magnetic marker, Parathyroid adenoma, Parathyroid gland

Introduction

Up to 90% of primary hyperparathyroidism cases are attributable to a single parathyroid adenoma, making parathyroidectomy the golden standard in curative treatment [1]. Ectopic parathyroid glands are found in 6-16% of patients [2,3]. Until recently, Tecnetium-99-sestamibi scintigraphy (MIBI-scan) was considered standard, but several studies have shown high-resolution cervical ultrasound is accurate as the only diagnostic modality for identifying abnormal glands. (93-98%) [4-6]. However, ectopic glands behind bony structures can be missed and other diagnostic modalities may prove useful. Identifying these glands preoperatively is necessary for focused parathyroidectomy, preferred to bilateral neck exploration due to less morbidity [1,5].

Magnetic seeds, such as Magseed® (Endomagnetics Ltd, CE-registered and FDA-cleared) or Pintuition® (Sirius Medical, CE-registered and FDA-cleared), have been shown to be safe in other applications, such as localising non-palpable breast lesions as well as lymph nodes [7,8]. To our knowledge this is the first report of intraoperative localisation of ectopic parathyroid adenoma using a magnetic marker.

Case Presentation

A 64-year-old man was referred to the Internal Medicine outpatient clinic with hypercalcaemia. Previous medical history included 40 pack years. In a work-up for suspected sarcoidosis hypercalcaemia was detected of 2.93 mmol/L (normal range: 2.20-2.65 mmol/L). After treatment with aminopropylidine diphosphonate (APD) infusion and start of thiazide diuretic calcium diminished to 2.83 mmol/L. Desquamative interstitial pneumonia was diagnosed after ruling out sarcoidosis on pathologic examination of lung tissue.

Subsequently, primary hyperparathyroidism was diagnosed with an increased parathyroid hormone of 12.4 pmol/L (normal range: 1.9-8.4 pmol/L), in absence of 25-OH Vitamin D deficiency (53 nmol/L, normal range > 50 nmol/L). Presenting symptoms included abdominal pain and constipation. Osteoporosis was detected on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry with a T-score of -3.2 of bone mineral density in the lumbar spine.

Clinical examination of the thyroid and cervical lymph nodes was unremarkable. During diagnostic work-up retention of technetium was observed proximally of the left thyroid lobe on MIBI-scan, matching an enlarged tissue abnormality of 27 mm by 12 mm at level 2 (left), between the carotid artery and the hyoid bone, on ultrasound. (Figure 1) Nine days preoperatively a 3 mm magnetic marker, Pintuition® Seed, was placed in the ectopic parathyroid gland with ultrasound guidance using a 14G needle.

A focused parathyroidectomy was performed. After intubation the patient was placed in supine position with the head in hyperextension. With the probe detecting the magnetism of the marker, the gland was localised, distance to the probe measured and marked on the skin (Figure 2). An incision was made at the cervical midline at the level of the thyroid notch and the platysma was opened. Using the probe, the suspected adenoma was identified laterally of the omohyoid muscle and medially of the external carotid artery (Figure 3). The location of the marker within the resection specimen was confirmed by the probe. Operation time was 36 minutes. Frozen section of the tissue confirmed the tissue to be parathyroid tissue. Definitive histopathologic examination confirmed a parathyroid adenoma.

One day postoperatively the patient was discharged without any complications. Blood results showed values within the normal range for albumin (38 g/L), calcium (2.37 mmol/L) and a 50% reduction of PTH compared to preoperatively (preoperatively 6.5 pmol/L and postoperatively 3.5 pmol/L). Further follow-up was performed through the Endocrinology outpatient clinic.

Written consent from the patient for this article was obtained.

Discussion

Parathyroidectomy is more cost-effective than best medical treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism, which is undertreated in the majority of patients [9,10]. In this symptomatic patient the indication for parathyroidectomy is apparent according to the guidelines of the Endocrine Society [11]. An ectopic localisation of an adenoma is common due to the embryological origin of the parathyroid gland [3,12,13]. Imaging is not required for diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism but is a necessary aide for surgery. Focused parathyroidectomy has been proven to be associated with shorter procedure times, lower rate of hypocalcaemia and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury [1,5]. Optimal localisation of the gland is therefore essential but can be challenging pre- and intraoperatively. Several techniques have been introduced as a road map for surgery, but with differences in sensitivity and costs [14]. Although a MIBI-scan was performed, in this case its use and cost-effectiveness are debatable. A high-resolution cervical ultrasound is a cost-effective and sensitive technique to localise an ectopic parathyroid adenoma, however intraoperatively not useful to identify a parathyroid adenoma after incision. Minimally invasive radioguided parathyroid surgery is a feasible technique for ectopic glands, however it is controversial and has logistical limitations related to the use of radioactive products [15-17]. Magnetic markers can be placed using ultrasonography. Distance-based measurements can accurately localise the parathyroid gland during surgery. With limited contraindications for its usage, allowing decoupling of radiology and surgical schedules and no need for radioactivity, magnetic markers are a clinician and patient-friendly option [8]. Absolute contra-indication for its use is a pacemaker in proximity of the marker. Relative contra-indications consist of metallic interference of nearby surgical instruments or the need for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) due to scattering on imaging [7]. For other applications magnetic markers seem to be cost-effective and few adverse events have been reported [18]. No adverse events concerning the magnetic marker, nor postoperative complications were reported in this patient.

While surgical experience and anatomical knowledge are key to an effective focused parathyroidectomy, a magnetic marker can be a useful adjunct intraoperatively to confirm the identification of the gland. This may reduce the need for intraoperative PTH monitoring and frozen section of the specimen in the future [6]. Thus, this application can reduce operating time and costs, while improving patient outcome.

Conclusion

Ectopic parathyroid glands can prove a diagnostic challenge and may warrant a systemic exploration. A magnetic marker can be a safe and effective method to localise ectopic parathyroid glands during focused parathyroidectomy reducing operating time and risk of complications. This is the first case report to our knowledge describing successful application of a magnetic marker.

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