Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy as treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism

BACKGROUND: Current techniques for management of primary hyperpara-thyroidism (pHPT) rely on preoperative localization studies in order to perform a direct exploration of the neck. This case series reports the results of minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) performed in twenty-two consecutive pHPT patients with suspected parathyroid adenoma. METHODS: All patients with symptomatic pHPT and or aberrant biochemical markers underwent preoperative evaluation including calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) serum levels, and a Tc-99 Sestamibi (MIBI) scintigraphy scan. The day of surgery Tc-99 MIBI was administered intravenously to localize diseased parathyroid glands. Within the next two hours after administration of IV contrast a gamma radiation detection device was applied over the neck to detect areas of prominent radiation gradient that served as landmarks during surgery. All removed tissue was again tested with the gamma radiation probe and sent for frozen sections to confirm parathyroid gland tissue. Serum calcium levels were measured immediately after surgery, 24 hours, and 3 days later at an outpatient visit. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients with symptomatic hypercalcemia (6 M, 16 F), mean age of 63 years (Range 35 to 87), completed pre-operative Sestamibi scintigraphy and follow up evaluations. Mean pre-operative calcium and PTH levels were 11.3 mg/dL and 194.2 pg/mL, respectively. Preoperative Sestamibi scintigraphy were negative in four (18%) and positive in 18 (82%) patients. Parathyroid adenoma was confirmed by frozen sections in all patients. The mean operative time was approximately 32 minutes except in 3 cases which required combined surgical procedures. There were no intra-operative complications while minor wound swelling was the only postoperative complication reported. All patients exhibited decreased serum calcium levels with resolution of symptoms within a week, and resumed a normal lifestyle. CONCLUSIONS: MIP using preoperative Tc-99 MIBI...

Merkel cell carcinoma of the cheek with metastases to the parotid gland: a report of two cases

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare tumor of neuroendocrine origin. It is a highly invasive and aggressive neoplasia, that frequently presents regional and distant metatases. Therefore, there is high mortality associated with it. This report presents two male patients, one sixty three years and the other eighty eight years of age, with MCC of the cheek and invasive metastatic lesions to the head and neck areas. One of the patients died of associated distant metastatic disease and the other patient died of comorbid conditions present at time of tumor excision

Puerto Rican youth in drug treatment facilities: who volunteers for HIV testing?

This paper examines the characteristics of youngsters in drug treatment who volunteer for AIDS testing in comparison to those who do not. HIV Antibodies testing was offered on a voluntary basis to a sample of 250 Puerto Rican youngsters enrolled in three ambulatory drug treatment centers in 1991. Sixty-six percent of the youngsters agreed to take the test. Male adolescents who volunteered reported fewer years of education and were more likely to have dropped-out of school. Consistent with research findings among adults, those adolescents at greater risk of HIV infection as measured by drug use and sexual behaviors were more likely to volunteer for on-site testing for HIV infection. Higher rates of alcohol use and marijuana use differentiated volunteers from those who did not. Among the sexual behaviors investigated, number of partners, engaging in less risk reduction practices, having a sexual partner who had used illicit drugs and using condoms to avoid STD's were found to be significantly higher in volunteers