Parathyroid autotransplantation in thyroid surgery.

BACKGROUND: Careful parathyroid gland dissection and in situ preservation was the time-honored approach to prevent parathyroid failure after total thyroidectomy. The relative success of parathyroid autotransplantation of hyperplastic parathyroid tissue in patients with renal or hereditary hyperparathyroidism did popularize the use of normal parathyroid tissue autografts during thyroidectomy to prevent permanent hypoparathyroidism. Proof of autograft function in this setting, however, is controversial. PURPOSE: This narrative review aims at reviewing critically the current status of parathyroid autotransplantation during total thyroidectomy. It is also meant to analyze from the historical, methodological, and clinical points of view the claimed benefit of normal parathyroid gland autotransplantation. A focus is placed on the prevention of permanent hypoparathyroidism by parathyroid autotransplantation. CONCLUSIONS: Liberal parathyroid autotransplantation was proposed in the mid 1970s but evidence of function is scarce. Proofs are accumulating that parathyroid autografts not only increase the rate of postoperative hypocalcemia, but may be also contribute to permanent hypoparathyroidism.

Failure of fragmented parathyroid gland autotransplantation to prevent permanent hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy.

PURPOSE: Parathyroid autotransplantation during total thyroidectomy leads to higher rates of postoperative hypocalcaemia. It has been argued, however, that it prevents permanent hypoparathyroidism. The impact of autografted normal parathyroid gland fragments on long-term parathyroid status has not been assessed properly. To clarify this, the short- and long-term parathyroid function was assessed in patients with three glands remaining in situ after total thyroidectomy, in whom the fourth gland was either autotransplanted (Tx) or accidentally resected (AR). METHODS: Consecutive patients (n = 669) undergoing first-time total thyroidectomy were prospectively studied recording the number of parathyroid glands remaining in situ: PGRIS =4-(glands autografted + glands in the specimen). The study was focused on the subgroup of 186 patients with three parathyroid glands remaining in situ as a result of either accidental resection (AR, n = 76) or autotransplantation into the sternocleidomastoid muscle (Tx, n = 110). Prevalence of postoperative hypocalcaemia, protracted, and permanent hypoparathyroidism were compared between the two groups. Demographic, disease-related, laboratory, and surgical variables were recorded. All patients were followed for at least 1 year. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable in terms of disease and extent of surgery. Mean postoperative serum calcium was the same (AR: 1.97 ± 0.2 vs Tx: 1.97 ± 0.22 mmol/L). Rates of protracted (AR: 24% vs Tx: 25.5%) and permanent hypoparathyroidism (AR: 5.3% vs Tx: 7.3%) were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of parathyroid failure syndromes after total thyroidectomy was similar whether a parathyroid gland was inadvertently excised or autotransplanted. Autotransplantation did not influence the permanent hypoparathyroidism rate.

Compliance with recommendations on surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism-from guidelines to real practice: results from an Iberian survey.

PURPOSE: Knowledge about compliance with recommendations derived from the positional statement of the European Society of Endocrine Surgeons on modern techniques in primary hyperparathyroidism surgery and the Third International Workshop on management of asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism is scarce. Our purpose was to check it on a bi-national basis and determine whether management differences may have impact on surgical outcomes. METHODS: An online survey including questions about indications, preoperative workup, surgical approach, intraoperative adjuncts, and outcomes was sent to institutions affiliated to the endocrine surgery divisions of the National Surgical Societies from Spain and Portugal. A descriptive evaluation of the responses was performed. Finally, we assessed the correlation between the different types of management with the achievement of optimal results, defined as a cure rate equal or greater than the median of all interviewed institutions. RESULTS: Fifty-seven hospitals (41 Spanish, 16 Portuguese) answered the survey. First-ordered imaging tests were neck ultrasound and sestamibi scan. Facing negative or non-concordant results, 44 % of surgeons ordered additional tests before first-time surgery, and 84 % before reoperations. When indicated, selective parathyroidectomy was an acceptable option for 95 % of institutions as first-time surgery and for 51 % in reoperations. Intraoperative parathormone measurements were used by 92 % of departments. The surgical outcomes were good in most institutions (median cure rate 97 %) and were influenced mostly by the presence of an endocrine surgery unit in the surgical department (p = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Practice of Iberian endocrine surgeons is consistent with current recommendations on surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism, with variability in some areas.

Mortality after thyroid surgery, insignificant or still an issue?

BACKGROUND: Thyroidectomy is considered to be a safe procedure. Although very uncommon, death may occur after thyroid resection. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and causes of death after thyroidectomy and the associated risk factors in the modern era of thyroid surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A structured questionnaire was sent to all endocrine surgery units in Spain to report all deaths that occurred after thyroidectomy in recent years. RESULTS: Twenty-six surgical units, encompassing 30.495 thyroidectomies, returned the questionnaire. A total of 20 deaths (0.065%) were recorded: 12 women (60%) and 8 men (40%) with a median age of 65 years (range 32-86). Half of the patients had a retrosternal goiter with a median weight of 210 g. The median operative time was 185 min. Histological diagnoses were benign goiter (35%) or thyroid carcinoma (65%): differentiated (30%), medullary (20%), poorly differentiated/anaplastic (10%), and colorectal cancer metastasis (5%). Causes of death were cervical hematoma (30%), respiratory distress/pneumonia due to prolonged endotracheal intubation (25%), tracheal injury (15%), heart failure (15%), sepsis (wound infection/esophageal perforation) (10%) and mycotic aneurysm (5%). The median time from surgery to death was 14 days (range 1-85). CONCLUSIONS: Death after thyroidectomy is very uncommon, and most often results from a combination of advanced age, giant goiters, and upper airway complications.

Prophylactic central neck disection in papillary thyroid cancer: a consensus report of the European Society of Endocrine Surgeons (ESES).

BACKGROUND: There remains still no clear answer as to whether or not prophylactic central compartment neck dissection (pCCND) is indicated for the treatment of patients with papillary thyroid cancer. METHODS: The published studies, including single cohort, comparative studies and meta-analysis, were critically appraised. Aspects beyond postoperative complications and loco-regional recurrence rates in the analysis, as the impact of pre- and post-ablation thyroglobuline levels, multifocality, bilaterality and additional risk factors for recurrence, were also considered. RESULTS: Thirty studies and five meta-analyses were assessed. The lack of randomized clinical trials on the subject and the heterogeneity of study populations are the main limiting factors to draw clear conclusions, and a comprehensive list of bias sources has been identified. Recent comparative studies and systematic reviews all associate the pCCND with higher proportions of temporary postoperative hypocalcemia but not with significantly higher permanent hypoparathyroidism, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury or permanent vocal cord paralysis. The risk of recurrence appears to be reduced after pCCND, and the number of patients needed to treat to avoid a recurrence is between 20 and 31. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that routine level 6 prophylactic dissections should be risk-stratified. Larger tumours (T3, T4), patients aged 45 years and older or 15 years and younger, male patients, patients with bilateral or multifocal tumours, and patients with known involved lateral lymph nodes could all be candidates for routine unilateral level 6 dissection. The operation should be limited to surgeons who have the available expertise and experience.

Surgical management of adrenal metastases.

PURPOSE: This paper aims to review controversies in the management of adrenal gland metastasis and to reach an evidence-based consensus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of English-language studies addressing the management of adrenal metastasis, including indications for surgery, diagnostic imaging, fine-needle aspiration, surgical approach, and outcome was carried out. Results were discussed at the 2011 Workshop of the European Society of Endocrine Surgeons devoted to adrenal malignancies and a consensus statement agreed. RESULTS: Patients should be managed by a multidisciplinary team. Positron emission tomography coupled with computed tomography (PET/CT) scanning is the technique of choice for suspected adrenal metastasis. When PET/CT is not available or results are inconclusive, the CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging can be used. Patients should undergo complete hormonal evaluation. Adrenal biopsy should be reserved for cases in which the results of non-invasive techniques are equivocal. If malignancy has been reliably ruled out, patients with adrenal incidentalomas should be managed like noncancer patients. CONCLUSIONS: A patient with suspected adrenal metastasis should be considered a candidate for adrenalectomy when: (a) control of extra-adrenal disease can be accomplished, (b) metastasis is isolated to the adrenal gland(s), (c) adrenal imaging is highly suggestive of metastasis or the patient has a biopsy-proven adrenal malignancy, (d) metastasis is confined to the adrenal gland as assessed by a recent imaging study, and (e) the patient's performance status warrants an aggressive approach. In properly selected patients, laparoscopic (or retroperitoneoscopic) adrenalectomy is a feasible and safe option.

[Technology or technolatry: where are surgeons going?]. / Tecnología o tecnolatría: ¿a dónde van los cirujanos?

Innovative pressure forms part of the current technical-scientific utopia and equally affects surgeons, patients, communication media, and the health industry. It has brought a new type of technical adventurism with its accompanying iatrogenesis, which involves unnecessary risks. Personal ambitions, industrial persuasion and the promotion of hospital brands, both public and private, have weakened values and professional ethics in an environment in which technology is losing cost/benefit, and the conflict of interests have aroused many suspicions. A critical review of the technolatry culture is presented as well as a sober assessment of the costs of our interventions, not only in the economic sphere, but also as regards the safety of our patients, the environmental sustainability, and the most efficient use of health care devices.

[Surgical treatment of intrathoracic goitre]. / Tratamiento quirúrgico del bocio intratorácico.

The definition by Katlic gives the best description of intrathoracic goitre, a condition that includes a small sub-group (1-4%) of patients with multinodular goitre who generally have severe compression symptoms and require specialised care in reference centres. The pre-operative study must include thoracic imaging techniques to plan the most suitable action. Total thyroidectomy is recommended, and in more than 95% of cases the goitre can be removed using a cervical approach. A wide cervical approach and the identification of the recurrent nerve near the cricothyroid joint help to free the thyroid from all its cervical attachments before gently retracting it upwards from the thoracic component for its removal. Intrathoracic goitres that require a sternotomy for its removal are recurrent goitres, those that have advanced cancer, those that reach the carina, and left posterior goitres that extend to the right pleural cavity.

Etiology and Pathophysiology of Hypoparathyroidism: A Narrative Review.

The approach utilized a systematic review of the medical literature executed with specifically designed criteria that focused on the etiologies and pathogenesis of hypoparathyroidism. Enhanced attention by endocrine surgeons to new knowledge about parathyroid gland viability are reviewed along with the role of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) monitoring during and after neck surgery. Nonsurgical etiologies account for a significant proportion of cases of hypoparathyroidism (~25%), and among them, genetic etiologies are key. Given the pervasive nature of PTH deficiency across multiple organ systems, a detailed review of the skeletal, renal, neuromuscular, and ocular complications is provided. The burden of illness on affected patients and their caregivers contributes to reduced quality of life and social costs for this chronic endocrinopathy. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Surgical Aspects of Primary Hyperparathyroidism.

Parathyroidectomy (PTX) is the treatment of choice for symptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). It is also the treatment of choice in asymptomatic PHPT with evidence for target organ involvement. This review updates surgical aspects of PHPT and proposes the following definitions based on international expert consensus: selective PTX (and reasons for conversion to an extended procedure), bilateral neck exploration for non-localized or multigland disease, subtotal PTX, total PTX with immediate or delayed autotransplantation, and transcervical thymectomy and extended en bloc PTX for parathyroid carcinoma. The systematic literature reviews discussed covered (i) the use of intraoperative PTH (ioPTH) for localized single-gland disease and (ii) the management of low BMD after PTX. Updates based on prospective observational studies are presented concerning PTX for multigland disease and hereditary PHPT syndromes, histopathology, intraoperative adjuncts, localization techniques, perioperative management, "reoperative" surgery and volume/outcome data. Postoperative complications are few and uncommon (<3%) in centers performing over 40 PTXs per year. This review is the first global consensus about surgery in PHPT and reflects the current practice in leading endocrine surgery units worldwide. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Evaluation and Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Summary Statement and Guidelines from the Fifth International Workshop.

The last international guidelines on the evaluation and management of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) were published in 2014. Research since that time has led to new insights into epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, measurements, genetics, outcomes, presentations, new imaging modalities, target and other organ systems, pregnancy, evaluation, and management. Advances in all these areas are demonstrated by the reference list in which the majority of listings were published after the last set of guidelines. It was thus, timely to convene an international group of over 50 experts to review these advances in our knowledge. Four Task Forces considered: 1. Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Genetics; 2. Classical and Nonclassical Features; 3. Surgical Aspects; and 4. Management. For Task Force 4 on the Management of PHPT, Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) methodology addressed surgical management of asymptomatic PHPT and non-surgical medical management of PHPT. The findings of this systematic review that applied GRADE methods to randomized trials are published as part of this series. Task Force 4 also reviewed a much larger body of new knowledge from observations studies that did not specifically fit the criteria of GRADE methodology. The full reports of these 4 Task Forces immediately follow this summary statement. Distilling the essence of all deliberations of all Task Force reports and Methodological reviews, we offer, in this summary statement, evidence-based recommendations and guidelines for the evaluation and management of PHPT. Different from the conclusions of the last workshop, these deliberations have led to revisions of renal guidelines and more evidence for the other recommendations. The accompanying papers present an in-depth discussion of topics summarized in this report. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Etiology and Diagnosis of Permanent Hypoparathyroidism after Total Thyroidectomy.

Postoperative parathyroid failure is the commonest adverse effect of total thyroidectomy, which is a widely used surgical procedure to treat both benign and malignant thyroid disorders. The present review focuses on the scientific gap and lack of data regarding the time period elapsed between the immediate postoperative period, when hypocalcemia is usually detected by the surgeon, and permanent hypoparathyroidism often seen by an endocrinologist months or years later. Parathyroid failure after thyroidectomy results from a combination of trauma, devascularization, inadvertent resection, and/or autotransplantation, all resulting in an early drop of iPTH (intact parathyroid hormone) requiring replacement therapy with calcium and calcitriol. There is very little or no role for other factors such as vitamin D deficiency, calcitonin, or magnesium. Recovery of the parathyroid function is a dynamic process evolving over months and cannot be predicted on the basis of early serum calcium and iPTH measurements; it depends on the number of parathyroid glands remaining in situ (PGRIS)-not autotransplanted nor inadvertently excised-and on early administration of full-dose replacement therapy to avoid hypocalcemia during the first days/weeks after thyroidectomy.

Muscle strength, physical performance, and metabolic changes after subtotal parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Hyperparathyroidism in patients on chronic hemodialysis presents with bone pain, pruritus, and extra-skeletal calcifications. Little attention has been paid to low plasma protein concentrations and muscle weakness in these patients. The present study was undertaken to characterize the impact of subtotal parathyroidectomy for chronic hemodialysis on body composition, muscle strength, plasma proteins, quality of life, and long-term clinical course. METHODS: We performed a prospective observational before-after assessment study of consecutive chronic hemodialysis patients referred for parathyroidectomy. Patients were investigated at baseline before parathyroidectomy and then at 1 and 6 months after surgery, with the aim to assess changes in metabolic parameters, body composition by bioimpedance, muscle strength, and quality of life (36-items Short Form Health Survey questionnaire). Follow-up was terminated when patients reached 1 of the 3 pre-defined end points: recurrence of secondary hyperparathyroidism, transplantation, or death. RESULTS: A group of 23 patients on hemodialysis were included. Preoperative handgrip strength was diminished by 52.4 ± 17%. After parathyroidectomy, a drop of immunoreactive parathyroid hormone concentrations (1,153 vs 237 pg/mL; P < .001) was observed together with increases in plasma protein (total: 6.8 vs7.8 g/dL, s-albumin 3.7 vs 4.4 g/dL and prealbumin: 31.7 vs 35.2 mg/dL; P < .001), handgrip strength (18.3 vs 22.9 kg: P = .001) as well as an improvement in physical dimension (32.9 vs 35.6; P = .004) and vitality (32.3 vs 47.1; P = .002) domains of the 36-items Short Form Health Survey questionnaire. After10 years, one-third of the patients had died, one-third of the patients had a recurrence of secondary hyperparathyroidism, and one-third of patients had received a kidney transplant and maintained a normal parathyroid function. CONCLUSION: Subtotal parathyroidectomy improves protein metabolic markers, muscle strength, and physical performance in chronic hemodialysis patients.

Weight difference between double parathyroid adenomas is the cause of false-positive IOPTH test after resection of the first lesion.

BACKGROUND: Some patients with double parathyroid adenoma show a greater than 50% decline in intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) after resection of the first lesion. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that significant adenoma weight differences may explain this inappropriate decline of IOPTH. METHODS: We reviewed prospective database records at two tertiary institutions. Patients with a histopathologic diagnosis of double adenoma and no familial history of hyperparathyroidism were included. Diagnosis of double adenoma was confirmed either preoperatively (double uptake), intraoperatively (bilateral exploration), or at reintervention. IOPTH was determined following the Miami protocol. The 10-min postexcision sample was considered as the 0-min sample for IOPTH determinations at the time of resection of the second lesion. RESULTS: Thirteen patients met the inclusion criteria. After resection of the first lesion, IOPTH failed to decline in four patients and a second adenoma was removed. They had similar weight (404 vs. 598 mg). In nine patients IOPTH showed a false greater than 50% decline. These patients had the largest adenoma removed first (846 +/- 226 mg), and only two had normal PTH serum concentrations 10 min after resection. The second adenoma was always smaller (284 +/- 177 mg; P = 0.02) and its resection either during the same operation (7 cases) or at reoperation (2 cases) led to normalization of IOPTH at 10 min in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Two-thirds of patients with double parathyroid adenoma show a false-positive decline of IOPTH after resection of the first adenoma. This appears to be due to the initial removal of the larger lesion.

Multicenter study of 19 aortopulmonary window parathyroid tumors: the challenge of embryologic origin.

BACKGROUND: Ectopic abnormal parathyroid glands are relatively common in the superior mediastinum but are rarely situated in the aortopulmonary window (APW). The embryological origin of these abnormal parathyroid glands is controversial. The purpose of this investigation was to investigate the embryological origin and the surgical management of abnormal parathyroid glands situated in the APW. METHODS: The databases of patients operated on for primary, secondary, and tertiary hyperparathyroidism at eight European medical centers with a special interest in endocrine surgery were reviewed to identify those with APW adenomas. Demographic features, localization procedures, and perioperative and pathology findings were documented. The embryological origin was determined based on the number and position of identified parathyroid glands. RESULTS: Nineteen (0.24%) APW parathyroid tumors were identified in 7,869 patients who underwent an operation for hyperparathyroidism (HPT) and 181 patients (2.3%) with mediastinal abnormal parathyroid glands. Ten patients had primary, eight had secondary, and one had tertiary HPT. Sixteen patients had undergone previous unsuccessful cervical exploration. In three patients, an APW adenoma was suspected by preoperative localization studies and was cured at the initial operation. Sixteen patients had persistent HPT of whom 15 were reoperated, resulting in 6 failures. Evaluation of 17 patients who had bilateral neck exploration allowed us to determine the most probable origin of the APW parathyroid tumors: 12 were supernumerary, 4 appeared to originate from a superior, and 1 from an inferior gland. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal parathyroid glands situated in the APW are rare and usually identified after an unsuccessful cervical exploration. Preoperative imaging of the mediastinum and neck are essential. The origin of these ectopically situated tumors is probably, as suggested by our data, from a supernumerary fifth parathyroid gland or from abnormal migration of a superior parathyroid gland during the embryologic development.

Impact of thyroid nodular disease on 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Primary hyperparathyroidism with coexisting thyroid nodular disease (TND) has been considered a contraindication for selective parathyroidectomy because the low sensitivity of preoperative localization studies, especially 99(m)Tc-sestamibi scanning (MIBI) and ultrasound. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of concomitant TND in the preoperative image studies. METHODS: A total of 236 consecutive patients who had parathyroidectomy for sporadic hyperparathyroidism and the preoperative localization study that was done with MIBI were reviewed. Patients were divided into three groups: those who did not have any thyroid disease, those who had concomitant TND not necessary to resect, and those in whom thyroid resection due to TND was necessary at the time of parathyroidectomy. RESULTS: MIBI showed a sensitivity of 78.5% in patients without concomitant TND, 73% in patients with TND but not thyroidectomy needed, and 54.5% in the cases that thyroid resection was necessary. When MIBI and ultrasound were both suspicious for an adenoma, the sensitivity was not influenced by the TND. CONCLUSION: In patients with coexisting thyroid disease but not thyroidectomy needed, MIBI scintigraphy contributes to the detection of a solitary adenoma. When thyroid resection is required, MIBI imaging is often negative.

Influence of gender and women's age on the prevalence of parathyroid failure after total thyroidectomy for multinodular goiter.

BACKGROUND: Female gender, particularly of a young age, has been reported as a risk factor for hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy. There are no studies, however, addressing specifically the influence of women's age and menstrual status on postoperative parathyroid function. METHODS: Cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing total thyroidectomy for benign goiter between 2000-2017, excluding those with associated hyperparathyroidism, reoperation or conservative procedures. Prevalence of postoperative hypocalcemia (s-Ca <8 mg/dL at 24 hours), protracted (1-month) and permanent hypoparathyroidism (>1 year) were the main variables studied. Complete >1-year follow-up was achieved for all patients developing post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia. Demographic, disease-related, number of parathyroid glands remaining in situ (PGRIS), biochemical and surgical variables were recorded. The impact of menstrual status on parathyroid function was analyzed by comparing two groups of women using a cut-off age of 45 years. RESULTS: A total of 811 patients were included: 14 percent were males and 86 percent females with a mean age of 53.2 years. The prevalence of postoperative hypocalcemia was ten points higher in women than in men (23.7% vs. 36.4%; P=0.008). Permanent hypoparathyroidism was more common in women than in men (5% vs. 0.9%; P=0.048). Compared to females ≥45 years, young women presented higher rates of all three parathyroid failure syndromes despite similar PGRIS scores. Age <45 years and low PGRIS scores were the only independent variables predicting postoperative hypocalcemia in females. CONCLUSIONS: Premenopausal patients presented a higher prevalence of parathyroid failure and permanent hypoparathyroidism with similar PGRIS scores suggesting the presence of a sex-hormone factor influencing post-thyroidectomy parathyroid function.

Prevalence of basal ganglia and carotid artery calcifications in patients with permanent hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Permanent hypoparathyroidism is an uncommon disease resulting most frequently from neck surgery. It has been associated with visceral calcifications but few studies have specifically this in patients with post-surgical hypoparathyroidism. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of basal ganglia and carotid artery calcifications in patients with long-term post-thyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism compared with a control population. DESIGN: Case-control study. METHODS: A cross-sectional review comparing 29 consecutive patients with permanent postoperative hypoparathyroidism followed-up in a tertiary reference unit for Endocrine Surgery with a contemporary control group of 501 patients who had an emergency brain CT scan. Clinical variables and prevalence of basal ganglia and carotid artery calcifications were recorded. RESULTS: From a cohort of 46 patients diagnosed with permanent hypoparathyroidism, 29 were included in the study. The mean duration of disease was 9.2 ± 7 years. Age, diabetes, hypertension, smoking and dyslipidemia were similarly distributed in case and control groups. The prevalence of carotid artery and basal ganglia calcifications was 4 and 20 times more frequent in patients with permanent hypoparathyroidism, respectively. After propensity score matching of the 28 the female patients, 68 controls were matched for age and presence of cardiovascular factors. Cases showed a four-fold prevalence of basal ganglia calcifications, whereas that of carotid calcifications was similar between cases and controls. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of basal ganglia calcifications was observed in patients with post-surgical permanent hypoparathyroidism. It remains unclear whether carotid artery calcification may also be increased.