The Relationship of Solitary Parathyroid Adenoma Volume with Pre- and Post-operative Parathormone and Calcium Levels

Abstract

Objective: Parathyroid size, weight, position and histopathological characteristics have been investigated as possible candidates of predictive value. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the volume of the parathyroid gland as calculated by sonographic measurements and the amount of postoperative decrease in serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels .
 Materials and Methods: Preoperative and postoperative plasma levels of corrected calcium and intact PTH were noted. The size of each adenomatous parathyroid gland was calculated as an ellipsoid based on the preoperative sonographic measurements using the formula “V=π/6 x diameters”. 
 Results: A total of 61 (76.3%) females and 19 (23.8%) males were included in the study. The median age of the patients was 58 years. The average volume of the adenomatous parathyroid gland was calculated to be 13.4 cm3. Plasma levels of both calcium and PTH significantly decreased following surgery (p:0.000, p:0.000, respectively). There was significant correlation between the adenoma volume and the change in calcium value (r: -0.500, p:0.000) but not for the PTH value (r: 0.036, p:0.750).
 Conclusion: Our significant results may suggest a relationship between the volume of adenoma and plasma calcium levels, but more extended studies with larger patient groups are needed for more consistent results.