Identification of Intrathyroidal Parathyroid Gland Using Near-Infrared Autofluorescence and Autotransplantation: Report of Two Cases

ABSTRACT

For safe thyroidectomy, preservation of the parathyroid gland is mandatory. However, until recently, there has been no reliable method of identifying the parathyroid glands. Thus, the identification of the parathyroid gland has mainly depended on the surgeon’s personal experience. To overcome this limitation, near infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) imaging technique has been introduced. Many reports support the claim that NIRAF imaging can help surgeons identify the parathyroid gland. However, there have been no reports on the feasibility of NIRAF imaging in detecting the intrathyroidal parathyroid glands that cannot be seen by the naked eye. Recently, we experienced two cases in which intrathyroidal parathyroid glands were identified and auto-transplanted with the use of NIRAF. We would like to share this experience and hope this paper helps thyroid surgeons identify the parathyroid gland more easily which is always a matter of concern.