Ultrasound Identification of Normal Parathyroid Glands

Abstract

Ultrasound has become indispensable for identification of thyroid and parathyroid pathology,\u2009but normal parathyroid\u2009glands have historically been considered too subtle\u2009to accurately detect. Inability to identify\u2009and protect parathyroid glands can result in hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia during thyroidectomy surgery as well as misinterpretation of central neck structures in the postoperative neck. Advances in ultrasound resolution have opened the door to novel applications for this technology.\u2009In this study, we report the first surgeon-performed ultrasound identification of normal parathyroid glands in a series of 6 patients, confirmed by parathyroid tissue aspirate or parathyroid autofluorescence. Recognition of normal parathyroid glands using ultrasound can be valuable for preventing postoperative hypoparathyroidism and in increasing the accuracy of postsurgical ultrasound surveillance.