Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) for Excision of an Ectopic Anterior Mediastinal Intra-Thymic Parathyroid Adenoma

Abstract

Ectopic anterior mediastinal parathyroid adenoma is a rare cause of Primary Hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Imaging studies such as Technetium-99m (99mTc) sestamibi parathyroid scan along with a Single Photon Emission Computerized Tomogram (SPECT), and contrast enhanced Computerized Tomogram (CT) of the neck and thorax can precisely localize the ectopic mediastinal parathyroid adenoma. We report a 40-year-old gentleman who presented with persistent pain in the right shoulder following trivial trauma. His biochemical investigations showed an elevated serum calcium of 11.6mg% (Normal: 8.3-10.4 mg%) along with an elevated iPTH of 1443 pg/ml (normal: 8-70 pg/ml) which were suggestive of primary hyperparathyroidism. The localization studies revealed an ectopic cystic parathyroid adenoma in the anterior mediastinum that was not accessible from the neck. He underwent a Video Assisted Thoracoscopic (VAT) excision procedure with normalization of serum calcium and an uncomplicated recovery. The VAT approach is a successful minimally invasive technique for mediastinal parathyroidectomy.

Keywords

• minimally invasive technique
• primary hyperparathyroidism
• sestamibi parathyroid scan