Affiliation:
1. Istituto di Clinica Urologica - Università degli Studi - Ospedale di Cattinara - Trieste
Abstract
— C.B., 52 years old, reported a history of recurrent renal colic. The first episode had occurred in 1988 and during the last colic a stone had been passed. The recurrence of renal colics suggested the necessity for metabolic and endocrinological screening. The basal serum parathyroid hormone concentration was 215.1 pg/ml. A sonographic exploration of the neck showed evidence of a hypoechoic mass located on the left side posterior to the thyroid gland. A 99mTC-MIBI scan confirmed the diagnosis of parathyroid adenoma. Surgical exploration of the neck was planned so as to visualize and remove the adenoma. With the help of intra-operative ultrasound a precise localization of the mass was obtained. The procedure was accomplished by means of a linear 5 MHz probe, introduced into a sterile container and positioned over the thyroid gland. After being localized, the adenoma was removed. Intra-operative sonography, repeated at the end of the procedure, confirmed complete removal of the mass.