Pre-operative localisation of parathyroid tumours using neck vein catheterisation and radioimmunoassay for parathyroid hormone: the Glasgow experience.

Reliable pre-operative localisation of parathyroid tumours can be of value in surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism, and particularly so where re-exploration of the neck is required. Neck vein catheterisation and parathyroid hormone radioimmunoassay have been suggested as a sensitive means of tumour localisation, and we report our experience of the technique over the last five years. A total of 46 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism had 50 studies performed with positive localisation and a pre-operative prediction made on 38 occasions (76%). Forty-two operations were carried out and a parathyroid tumour confirmed in 39 cases for a localisation efficiency of 69 per cent. No negative neck exploration followed a positive localisation. Twelve studies were performed in patients with renal osteodystrophy and localisation to a single site was achieved on only three occasions. It is concluded that neck vein catheterisation and parathyroid hormone assay can correctly localise parathyroid tumours in most cases of primary hyperparathyroidism, but it is suggested that its use be restricted to selected cases such as those subjects with previous negative neck exploration or patients for whom prolonged or repeated surgery may be a particular hazard.