Atypical presentations of parathyroid gland pathology: A pictorial review. (2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kowa, Xin-Ying; Richards, Polly; Waterhouse, Mona; Parvanta, Laila; Adams, Ashok
• Is Part Of: European journal of radiology open. Volume 6(2019)
• Page Start: 320
• Page End: 329
• Publication Date: 2019
• Subjects: Parathyroid gland enlargement -- Cystic parathyroid gland -- Ectopic intrathyroidal parathyroid gland -- Parathyroid gland haemorrhage -- Non-Enhancing parathyroid glands -- Hyperparathyroidism jaw tumour syndrome; Medical radiology -- Periodicals; 616.075705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejro.2019.10.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-0477

Abstract

Highlights: Adenoma, carcinoma and hyperplasia cause parathyroid gland enlargement. Mimics include thyroid nodules and cystic structures in the head and neck. Enlarged parathyroid glands can enhance variably following contrast administration. Hyperparathyroidism can present acutely with respiratory compromise. Syndromic associations. Abstract: Primary hyperparathyroidism is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is in this day and age, an eminently treatable condition which relies heavily on preoperative imaging to localise enlarged parathyroid glands. The imaging appearances of parathyroid gland enlargement are varied; this paper seeks to address some of its more unusual manifestations with an emphasis on its atypical enhancement patterns, mimics and associations. An enlarged glands may also present as an 'incidentaloma' in head and neck imaging performed for entirely different indications, or as part of sporadic or familial syndrome. Radiologists are in a good position to expedite the relevant investigations and curative treatment, and knowledge of the spectrum of imaging appearances is crucial.