A rare case of symptomatic hyperparathyroidism in an elderly patient with dual pathology.

Primary hyperparathyroidism secondary to true sporadic synchronous parathyroid cancer (PTCa) and adenoma (PTa) is rare. This is a case of an 80-year-old female admitted with symptomatic hypercalcaemia, raised serum calcium (Ca) of 3.39 mmol/L and raised parathyroid hormone (PTH) of 44.3 pmol/L. Ultrasonic evaluation of the neck revealed a mass posterior to the right thyroid lobe. Imaging of the left neck was unremarkable. Subsequent sesta-MIBI and single-photon emission computed tomography-computed tomography (SPECT-CT) scanning highlighted conspicuous activity over the right lower neck consistent with the neck ultrasound scan findings. Pre-operatively, PTa was suspected. Intra-operatively, malignancy was suspected due to infiltration of the parathyroid tumour into the thyroid. The right inferior parathyroid and right thyroid gland were resected. Histology confirmed PTCa. Despite surgical treatment, she was found to have persistently high Ca and PTH levels. Further investigation with a repeat sesta-MIBI and SPECT-CT suggested a left inferior parathyroid tumour. Excision of this mass revealed a PTa. Recovery was unremarkable and serum biochemistry returned to normal ranges.

Should barium enema be the next step following an incomplete colonoscopy?

INTRODUCTION: Double contrast barium enema (DCBE) is used to screen and diagnose colorectal disease and is often recommended following an incomplete colonoscopy. The purpose of this study was to determine the value of DCBE following an incomplete colonoscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of all patients who had an incomplete colonoscopy at Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles in a 6-year period. Patient data was extracted from the endoscopy and radiology databases. Variables collected included demographics, indication for colonoscopy, reason for incompletion, findings of DCBE, and findings of repeat colonoscopy if subsequently performed. RESULTS: The incomplete colonoscopy rate was 1.6%. The mean age was 62 years with a predominance of females. The most common indication for colonoscopy was screening. The most frequent reason attributed to an incomplete colonoscopy was patient discomfort. Two hundred thirty three patients underwent DCBE and 42 patients underwent a repeat colonoscopy without DCBE; 13.3% of the DCBE were of poor quality and could not be interpreted. A repeat colonoscopy following DCBE was performed in 7% of patients. In 50% of these patients, the repeat colonoscopy revealed significant findings not noted on the DCBE or ruled out positive DCBE findings. In patients who had repeat colonoscopy without DCBE, completion rate was 95%. CONCLUSION: The rate of incomplete colonoscopy in a high-volume modern endoscopy unit is extremely low. DCBE following incomplete colonoscopy has limited value. A repeat colonoscopy under deeper sedation and/or better bowel preparation may be the preferred next step.