Lithium Associated Hyperparathyroidism: An Evidence Based Surgical Approach

Background: Long-term lithium use in psychiatric patients may lead to lithium associated hyperparathyroidism (LAH). Although anecdotal case reports have appeared, an evidence based algorithm for management of LAH is lacking. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed (1973-2010) using PubMed with keywords;“lithium” “hypercalcemia” “hyperparathyroidism” “sestamibi” “intra-operative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) monitoring” “parathyroidectomy” and “medical management”. All English language publications addressing etiology and clinical management issues concerning LAH were critically analyzed. Results: Lithium associated hyperparathyroidism occurs in 4.3% - 6.3% of chronic lithium users compared to the general population which has an incidence of 0.5% - 1%. 194 cases of LAH have been reported which includes 10 patients (5%) treated medically and 170 patients (88%) who underwent parathyroidectomy. No details were available for 14 patients (7%). Among parathyroidectomy patients, 104 (59%) had adenomatous disease and 66 (39%) had multiglandular hyperplasia. Preoperative localization studies were utilized in only 22 patients (13%) and IOPTH monitoring was reported in only 3 studies (32 patients, 19%). Among surgical patients, bilateral neck exploration (BNE) was the most common approach performed in 162 patients (95%);focused neck exploration was utilized in only 8 patients (5%). Parathyroidectomy normalized LAH biochemical changes in nearly all patients (90% - 97%) in the early post-operative period, but recurrent hyperparathyroidism occurred in 8% - 42% of patients. Conclusion: LAH is an under appreciated and poorly understood endocrine disorder. LAH has a higher incidence of multiglandular disease and bilateral neck exploration is mandatory in majority for disease control. Nonsurgical approaches may be useful in select patients on short-term lithium therapy.

Analysis of the successful clinical treatment of 140 patients with parathyroid adenoma:A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Parathyroid adenoma(PA) sometimes recurs after surgery,how to improve the surgical success rate of PA is the key to the treatment of this disease.AIM To investigate the clinical features,diagnosis,and surgical treatment of patients with PA.METHODS Patients who were pathologically confirmed with PA and had undergone surgery for the first time between January 2010 and December 2017 at the Beijing Shijitan Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University were included in the study.The clinical features,localization diagnosis,and surgical treatment of these patients were analyzed.RESULTS Of the 140 patients,32 were male and 108 were female;132 cases had one adenoma,and 8 had two adenomas.In addition,114 cases had clinical symptoms,among which 51,28,23,8,and 4 had urinary system,skeletal system,digestive system,neuromuscular system,and neuropsychiatric symptoms,respectively,while 26 cases had no obvious symptoms.The median level of preoperative parathyroid hormone(PTH) was 201.0 pg/m L.The positive detection rate of technetium-99m sestamibi(Tc-99m MIBI) single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography(SPECT/CT),ultrasound examination,and the combined use of Tc-99m MIBI SPECT/CT and ultrasound examination was 92.9%,85.5%,and 96.4%,respectively.Open surgery was performed in all patients,and PTH was monitored during surgery.The success rate of surgery was 98.6%.After surgery,21 cases developed hypocalcemia,1 case developed temporary hoarseness,and 19 cases had transient hypoparathyroidism but there was no permanent hypoparathyroidism,postoperative hemorrhage,or hematoma in the surgical area.CONCLUSION For patients with clinically unexplained skeletal system,urinary system,and neuropsychiatric symptoms,the possibility of PA should be considered.Imaging examinations such as ultrasound and Tc-99m MIBI SPECT/CT could be integrated before surgery to obtain accurate localization diagnosis.Precise preoperative localization,intraoperative PTH monitoring,and delicate surgery to protect the integrity of the PA capsule ensure a minimally invasive and successful surgery.