Mediastinal parathyroid cysts.

OBJECTIVE

To present our experience with mediastinal parathyroid cysts and summarize previously reported cases.

DESIGN

We retrospectively reviewed medical records and reviewed the pertinent literature.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The clinical, operative, and pathologic findings in 7 cases of mediastinal parathyroid cysts encountered at one institution and 31 cases previously reported in the literature are described.

RESULTS

Rarely, cysts may arise from an aberrant mediastinal parathyroid gland. Such cysts may manifest as a symptomatic mass, as an asymptomatic finding on roentgenography, or during the assessment of a patient with hyperparathyroidism. The diagnosis may be made by fine-needle aspiration or by excision and pathologic examination.

CONCLUSION

Functioning parathyroid cysts represent degeneration of a hyperfunctioning gland, such as an adenoma, and are usually removed through a cervical approach. Nonfunctioning cysts in asymptomatic patients with normal serum calcium levels are considered indeterminate and should be managed accordingly. Excision is usually recommended.