[Recurrent renal hyperparathyroidism: reoperation on the autograft].

Graft-dependent recurrence was observed 24 and 27 months after total parathyroidectomy and immediate autotransplantation in 2 out of 35 haemodialized patients (6%) with reactive (renal) hyperparathyroidism. In order to normalize the altered parathyroid metabolism in these 2 patients 7 reductions of the graft have been required so far in the patients and cervico-mediastinal reexploration was necessary as an additional procedure in one of the patients. Histological examination of the more or less enlarged fragments showed nearly the same architecture as the original glands used for grafting. Proliferating chief cell nodules with mitoses and signs of expansive, but never invasive growth were seen. Reviewing the literature, 38 authors describe 61 graft-dependent recurrences in 783 patients (7.8%) since 1975. Our own experiences and those in literature are discussed with respect to diagnosis, differential diagnosis, localization and histology of the graft-dependent recurrence.