Accuracy of Four-Dimensional Computed Tomography and Different Imaging Modalities in Primary Hyperparathyroidism.

Background This study aimed to compare the accuracy of different imaging modalities in the preoperative localization of parathyroid pathology in primary hyperparathyroidism. Methodology This prospective study enrolled 70 patients who were biochemically diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism between 2021 and 2022 at our center. Patients underwent scanning using three imaging modalities, namely, Tc99m sestamibi scan (sestamibi), parathyroid ultrasonography, and four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT). A descriptive analysis was performed to determine and compare the respective localizing sensitivities. Results The most common site of parathyroid adenoma (PA) was the left inferior parathyroid gland, seen in 28 (40%) patients. Three patients had false-positive imaging studies with no parathyroid pathology identified surgically or on histological examination. The median levels of parathyroid hormone decreased significantly (p < 0.001) after the surgery, with a median of 24.3 (1.90-121). Furthermore, 4DCT accomplished a sensitivity of 97.14% for diagnosing the side and 94.03% for overall localization of PA. This sensitivity was superior to the sensitivity of ultrasonography and sestamibi scan to detect the side and quadrant of the adenoma. 4DCT was significantly higher in sensitivity when compared to the combination of ultrasound and sestamibi (p < 0.001). Conclusions 4DCT yielded the highest sensitivity in localizing parathyroid pathology from the imaging modalities studied with the lowest false-negative rate. Using ultrasound with 4DCT could be the most cost-effective combination for detecting primary hyperparathyroidism.

Papillary thyroid cancer with bilateral adrenal metastases.

BACKGROUND: Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common type of thyroid malignancy and has an excellent prognosis. Distant organ metastasis is rare. Bilateral adrenal metastases with iodine uptake has not been described before. PATIENT FINDINGS: A 47-year-old woman presented for evaluation because of severe right upper arm pain and weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracic spine showed a compression fracture at the third thoracic vertebra associated with a soft tissue mass. Computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy of the mass showed metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma. Ultrasonography of the neck showed an enlarged right thyroid lobe with cervical lymphadenopathy. A high-resolution CT scan of the chest showed multiple bilateral pulmonary nodules. Treatment included total thyroidectomy and lymph node dissection, external beam radiation to the thoracic spine, and (131)I therapy. Initial whole body (131)I scintigraphy showed faint uptake in the right upper abdomen, interpreted as a sign of physiologic bowel activity; however, repeat whole body (131)I scintigraphy showed increased uptake in both adrenal glands, consistent with metastatic disease. Serial abdominal CT scans showed progressively enlarging bilateral adrenal masses. Despite additional treatment with (131)I, the patient's disease progressed at all metastatic sites. SUMMARY: This patient had bilateral adrenal metastases from advanced papillary thyroid cancer with distant metastasis to lung and bone at initial presentation and poor response to repeated (131)I therapy. Unilateral adrenal metastasis from thyroid cancer has been described previously in six cases; this is the first case report of bilateral adrenal metastases. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral adrenal metastasis is rare in papillary thyroid cancer. Elevated abdominal uptake of (131)I in a high-risk patient may be a sign of abdominal metastatic disease.

Primary cardiac paraganglioma with dual coronary blood supply presenting with angina chest pain.

Primary cardiac paraganglioma (pheochromocytoma) is very rare, constituting only 1% of cardiac tumours. A case of a 44-year-old woman presenting with angina chest pain and a tumour with dual blood supply from both the right and left coronary arteries is reported.

High resolution spiral CT scan in the diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm of ascending aorta.

Pseudoaneurysms of the ascending aorta are rare (<1%), and extremely rare from aortic vent site, but can be a lifethreatening complication. The basic methods of diagnosis are computed tomography scan and aortography. We report high resolution spiral CT may provide the best less invasive means in the diagnosis of the pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta originated from the aortic vent site.

Bronchiolitis obliterans following lung transplantation.

Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) is the main and late chronic complication after lung transplantation. It remains a major impediment to long-term outcome. Unfortunately, the survival rate of lung transplant recipients lags behind that of other organ transplant recipients, and BOS accounts for more than 30% of all mortality after the third year following lung transplantation. Most recent studies suggest that immune injury is the main pathogenic event in small airway obliteration and the development of BOS. Early detection of BOS is possible as well as essential because prompt initiation of treatment may halt the progress of the disease and the development of chronic graft failure. Current treatment of BOS is disappointing despite advances in surgical techniques and improvements in immunosuppressive therapies. Therefore, a clear understanding of the pathogenesis of BOS plays a major role in the search for new and effective therapeutic strategies for better long-term survival and quality of life after lung transplantation.