Thyroglossal Duct Cyst Carcinoma: Lessons from a 20-Case Series.

Aims and Objectives: Thyroglossal duct cyst (TDC) is a common congenital cyst with an incidence of about 7%. Thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma (TDCC) is a rare sequel which arises from TDC and has an incidence of about 1%. As these are rare, they do not have well-defined management guidelines. The aim of this study was to analyse the clinical profile and pathological characteristics of patients with thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma and to propose a protocol for their treatment and follow-up. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was done from January 2000 to December 2019. All the clinical details, imaging characteristics, treatment and histopathology were analysed. Results: The mean age group in our study was 37.9 years with a female preponderance. The clinical features like rapid increase in size, fixity of the lump and lymph node metastasis were not very common. Seventy-five percent of our patients who underwent imaging had suspicious characteristics. Fifty-six percent of our patients had FNAC suggestive of TDCC. Fifty percent of our patients had concomitant thyroid carcinoma. None of our patients had distant metastasis at follow-up. Conclusions: TDCC is rare and a disease of young adulthood and usually has good prognosis. It may be a clinical surprise or a small lesion which can be detected with ultrasound and targeted FNAC. There is high rate of concomitant thyroid carcinoma and hence needs careful assessment. Sistrunk's procedure with total thyroidectomy either staged or simultaneously has good outcome and permits adjuvant treatment.

MRI of Recurrent Fistula-in-Ano: Is it Different from Treatment-Naïve Fistula-in-Ano and How Does it Correlate with Anal Sphincter Morphology?

Objectives The main aim of this study was to compare magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of recurrent and treatment-naïve fistula-in-ano and to correlate imaging findings with anal sphincter morphology in recurrent fistula-in-ano. Methods This is a retrospective study of adult patients who underwent MRI for suspected fistula-in-ano in 2018. After excluding patients with alternative diagnosis, patients were stratified into recurrent ( n = 103) and treatment-naïve ( n = 106) fistula-in-ano groups. Two blinded radiologists reread MRI scans in consensus for fistula characteristics and anal sphincter morphology. We compared imaging features of recurrent and treatment-naïve fistula-in-ano, assessed the incidence of anal sphincter scarring among patients with recurrent fistula-in-ano, and studied its association with fistula features. Results Two-hundred nine patients (187 males) with mean age of 40.6 (standard deviation: 12.2) years were included. Trans-sphincteric, inter-sphincteric, extra-sphincteric, and supra-sphincteric fistula-in-ano were seen in 63.6, 33, 2.9, and 0.5%, respectively. There were secondary tracts, supralevator extension, and secondary cause for fistula in 49.3, 12.9, and 14.8%, respectively. There was no difference between the fistula features of recurrent and treatment-naïve fistula-in-ano, except for significantly fewer external openings among recurrent fistula-in-ano ( p = 0.005). Among patients with recurrent fistula-in-ano, MRI detected anal sphincter defect/scarring was seen in 53.4% ( n = 55) and was significantly associated with posterior fistula-in-ano ( p = 0.031), collections and/or supralevator extension ( p = 0.010), and secondary tracts ( p = 0.015). Conclusion Fistula features of recurrent and treatment-naïve patients were mostly similar. There was high incidence (53.4%) of MRI-identified anal sphincter scarring/defect among recurrent fistula-in-ano, which was significantly associated with posterior fistula, collections, supra or translevator extension, and secondary tracts. Key Points MRI-identified anal sphincter scarring is very common among patients with recurrent fistula-in-ano and seen in more than half of them.There was significantly higher incidence of sphincter scarring among patients who had posterior fistula, collections, supralevator/translevator extension, and secondary tracts.

Post cholecystectomy benign biliary stricture-isolated hepatic duct stricture: a proposed modification of the BISMUTH classification.

BACKGROUND: Post-cholecystectomy, benign biliary strictures are challenging for both patients and surgeons. Bismuth classified benign biliary strictures into 5 types. This study aimed to review these isolated hepatic duct strictures which were not included in Bismuth classification. METHODS: The case records of all patients who presented with post-cholecystectomy benign biliary strictures between January 2005 and December 2020 at our centre were reviewed. Data regarding demography, type of stricture, and treatment strategy were entered into the standard proforma. RESULTS: There were 242 patients [type I-3.7%, type II-41.7%, type III-38.0%, type IV-6.6%, and type V-7.8%]. Five (2.1%) patients did not fit the Bismuth classification and were the focus of this study. In each of these patients, an isolated hepatic duct stricture (first-or second-order hepatic duct) was present, with no involvement of the common hepatic duct or hilar confluence. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of isolated hepatic duct stricture [type VI] to the Bismuth classification will enhance the original classification, help in reporting and management of this sub-set of patients.

MDT stage migration in MRI of significant rectal polyps and early rectal cancers.

PURPOSE: To audit the diagnostic accuracy of MRI for staging early and polyp rectal cancers with the purpose of identifying scope for service improvement. METHODS: This is an IRB approved retrospective study of patients who underwent staging MRI for rectal growths followed by upfront TME type surgery or local excision without neoadjuvant therapy between 2018 and 2021. MR-T-stage was compared with surgical histopathology. The degree of stage migration in the multidisciplinary team meetings (MDT) was assessed and training needs were identified. RESULTS: 53 patients (32 males) with a mean (SD) age of 56.7 (13.6) years with 54 rectal lesions and underwent trans-anal excision (n = 18) or upfront surgery (n = 35) were included. Pathology showed < / = pT1 stage in n = 18 and > / = pT2 stage in n = 36. Radio-pathological concordance rate was 38.9% and 74.1%, respectively, for primary reports and MDT reads, respectively, and during MDT, the rates improved by 44.5% and 30.5% for < / = pT1 and > / = pT2 stages ,respectively. The overall T-stage migration rate at MDT was 44.6% (25/54) and the migration rate was higher (61.1%) for < / = pT1 stage lesions. The best sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of MRI for T-staging was 83.3%, 91.6%, 83.3%, 91.6% and 88.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Radio-pathological correlation for MRI T-stage is excellent for MDT reads by experienced radiologists. MDT reads lead to significant down-staging of T-stage in polyp and early rectal cancer thereby improving radio-path correlation.

Comparison of Magnetic Resonance Enterography Global Score (MEGS) with indices of Crohn's disease activity in South Asian population.

PURPOSE: Assessment of disease activity in Crohn's helps predict important clinical outcomes. Among the various modalities available to assess disease activity, magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) is considered a safe and reliable imaging option. Various MRE-based scoring systems have been developed to measure disease activity, one of which being the MRE global score (MEGS). We aimed to correlate MEGS with some of the important indices of Crohn's disease activity. METHODOLOGY: Crohn's disease patients referred for MRE were included in the study. Along with demographic profile and relevant investigations, MRE parameters related to MEGS were also assessed. RESULT: A total of 47 patients were recruited for the study. Their median age was 34 years (range 18-68 years), and male:female ratio was 16:31. There was modest positive correlation between MEGS and faecal calprotectin (r = 0.3, p = 0.04), CRP level (r = 0.34, p = 0.02) and Harvey Bradshaw index (r = 0.3, p = 0.043), respectively. However, there was strong correlation between segmental MEGS and Simple Endoscopic Score in those with terminal ileal disease (r = 0.81, p < 0.001). Mural thickness was the only MRE parameter that correlated with active disease (OR - 1.35, 95% CI 1.01, 1.81, p = 0.041) on multivariate analysis. There was moderate inter-observer agreement (Lin's r = 0.78, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: MEGS showed modest correlation with indices of Crohn's disease activity which corroborates the complementary role of MRE in management of such patients.

Prognostic significance of MR identified EMVI, tumour deposits, mesorectal nodes and pelvic side wall disease in locally advanced rectal cancer.

AIM: To study the prognostic significance of MRI identified tumour deposits (TD), extramural vascular invasion (EMVI), lymph node metastases (LNM) and pelvic sidewall (PSW) disease in rectal cancer. METHODS: This IRB approved study was conducted on patients with stage IIA-IIIC rectal adenocarcinoma treated with neoadjuvant long course chemoradiotherapy (LCCRT) and total mesorectal excision (TME) type of surgery between 2012-2018. A radiologist blinded to outcome reviewed staging and restaging magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for TD, EMVI, LNM and PSW. The agreement between four radiologists was studied and we obtained outcome data from a prospectively maintained database. The prognostic significance of imaging findings was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 297 (186 males) patients with a mean age of 47.3 (SD14.4) years were included in the study. The majority had T3 (n = 206) or T4 (n = 59) stage disease. The mean duration of follow-up was 49.3 ± 25 months (6.6-101 months). 5-year overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) was 84% and 74%, respectively. Staging and restaging MRI had EMVI in 49.5% and 31.3%; TD in 47.5% and 31.6%; LNM in 61.1% and 38.1% and PSW in 11.4% and 6.1%. OS was adversely affected by EMVI, TD and PSW with the adjusted HR (aHR) of 3.32, 3.31, 3.27 for staging MRI and 2.99, 3.1, 2.81 for restaging MRI, respectively, p < 0.05. DFS was affected by EMVI (aHR = 1.85, 2.33) and TD (aHR = 1.83, 2.19), p < 0.05. Persistence of these findings after LCCRT led to worst outcome. Intra- and interobserver agreement for EMVI, TD and LN was 0.789, 0.734, 0.406 and 0.449, 0.354, 0.376, respectively, p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: MRI identified that TD, EMVI and PSW disease are independent poor prognostic indicators in rectal cancer patients. Interobserver agreement for these findings was moderate to fair.

Imaging Manifestations of Accessory Cavitated Uterine Mass-A Rare Mullerian Anomaly.

Context Accessory cavitated uterine mass (ACUM) is an uncommon and under-recognized entity with distinct imaging characteristics and causing significant patient distress. Differentiating it from its other clinical and radiological differentials is therefore extremely important and prevents delay in surgical management which is the treatment of choice. Aims The aim of the study is to describe the MRI appearance of the surgically and pathologically proven ACUM cases from our institution in the last 2 years. Settings and Design This is a retrospective study in a tertiary care hospital in South India. Methods and Material We reviewed the clinical presentations and imaging findings of seven surgically proven cases of ACUM qualifying the proposed diagnostic criteria. Results All patients presented with chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and prolonged post-menstrual pain. MRI in all seven cases showed an intramural, noncommunicating, and cavitating lesion near the uterine cornua with internal contents similar to that of endometrioma. Although the cavity was lined by endometrium in all the cases (proven in pathology), it was well appreciable on MRI in only five cases. The rest of the uterine myometrium and main endometrial cavity were normal with no features of adenomyosis. Conclusion MRI is a reliable diagnostic tool for accurate diagnosis of ACUM, and more importantly, in distinguishing it from other causes of chronic pelvic pain like adenomyosis and endometriosis and other imaging differentials like adenomyoma, noncommunicating uterine horn, and degenerating leiomyoma.

Imaging features of Robert's uterus: Case series of a rare Mullerian duct anomaly.

The diagnosis of Mullerian duct anomaly is crucial because of strong association with infertility, endometriosis and miscarriage. Robert's uterus is a rare variant of septate uterus. Patients present with recurrent abdominal pain and severe dysmenorrhoea. Magnetic resonance imaging is the investigation of choice. In this case series, we present the imaging features of four such cases.

Barium Defecating Proctography and Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Proctography: Their Role and Patient's Perception.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to compare the imaging findings and patient's perception of barium defecating proctography and dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) proctography in patients with pelvic floor disorders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a prospective study conducted on patients with pelvic floor disorders who consented to undergo both barium proctography and dynamic MR proctography. Imaging findings of both the procedures were compared. Inter-observer agreement (IOA) for key imaging features was assessed. Patient's perception of these procedures was assessed using a short questionnaire and a visual analog scale. RESULTS: Forty patients (M: F =19:21) with a mean age of 43.65 years and range of 21-75 years were included for final analysis. Mean patient experience score was significantly better for MR imaging (MRI) (p < 0.001). However, patients perceived significantly higher difficulty in rectal evacuation during MRI studies (p = 0.003). While significantly higher number of rectoceles (p = 0.014) were diagnosed on MRI, a greater number of pelvic floor descent (p = 0.02) and intra-rectal intussusception (p = 0.011) were diagnosed on barium proctography. The IOA for barium proctography was substantial for identifying rectoceles, rectal prolapse and for determining M line, p < 0.001. There was excellent IOA for MRI interpretation of cystoceles, peritoneoceles, and uterine prolapse and substantial to excellent IOA for determining anal canal length and anorectal angle, p < 0.001. The mean study time for the barium and MRI study was 12 minutes and 15 minutes, respectively. CONCLUSION: Barium proctography was more sensitive than MRI for detecting pelvic floor descent and intrarectal intussusception. Although patients perceived better rectal emptying with barium proctography, the overall patient experience was better for dynamic MRI proctography.

Multimodality imaging review of complex pelvic lesions in female pelvis.

Complex pelvic lesions can originate from various anatomical structures in the pelvis and pose a diagnostic dilemma due to a wide range of possible diagnoses. Accurate characterisation of these lesions would often require an algorithmic approach, which incorporates clinical findings, sequential use of multiple imaging modalities and a multiparametric approach. This approach usually aims at identifying key imaging features, which aid in anatomical localisation, morphology and tissue characterisation. There have been various attempts to standardise the lexicon used for describing adnexal masses in female patients; stratify their risk of cancer and suggest appropriate next steps in the management pathway. Through this review, we extend this approach to complex pelvic masses in female pelvis in general and will focus on optimal use of different imaging modalities to arrive at definitive diagnosis or meaningful differential diagnosis. We will also discuss potential pitfalls of imaging diagnosis and common mimics.

Acoustic radiation force impulse imaging of pancreas in patients with early onset idiopathic recurrent acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Patients with recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP) may progress to chronic pancreatitis (CP). A critical step in this progression is the development of fibrosis. Elastography has been used to assess degree of fibrosis by measurement of shear wave velocity (SWV). The aim of this study was to measure the stiffness of pancreas as a surrogate for pancreatic fibrosis in patients with RAP and compare it with a group of individuals without any history of pancreatic disorders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging SWV was calculated in 31 patients with idiopathic RAP having disease onset ≤30 years. A control group of 31 individuals with no history pancreatic disorder and no features of CP on endosonography was selected for comparison. ARFI imaging was done by a single radiologist who was blinded to the cases and controls RESULTS:: Mean age of patients with RAP was 24.8 (SD 9.86) years, disease duration was 3.45 (interquartile range 1-5) years, mean number of episodes 4.9 (SD 2.72). There was a significant difference in SWV between patients (1.27 ± 0.50 m/s) and controls (1.00 ± 0.17 m/s) (P = 0.001)). There was a positive correlation between SWV and number of pain episodes (P = 0.026) and negative correlation with BMI (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: SWV was high in patients with RAP indicating a stiff pancreas. The stiffness increases with the number of episodes of pancreatitis.

Does Baseline PTH Influence Recovery of Bone Mineral Density, Trabecular Bone Score and Bone Turnover Markers? A Prospective Study Following Curative PArathyroidectomy in Primary Hyperparathyroidism.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective study was carried out to assess trabecular bone score, bone mineral density (BMD), and bone biochemistry in Indian subjects with symptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), and to study the influence of baseline parathyroid hormone (PTH) on recovery of these parameters following curative surgery. METHODS: This was a 2-year prospective study conducted at a tertiary care centre in southern India. Baseline assessment included demographic details, mode of presentation, bone mineral biochemistry, BMD, trabecular bone score (TBS), and bone turnover markers (BTMs). These parameters were reassessed at the end of the first and second years following curative parathyroid surgery. RESULTS: Fifty-one subjects (32 men and 19 women) with PHPT who had undergone curative parathyroidectomy were included in this study. The mean (SD) age was 44.6 (13.7) years. The TBS, BTMs, and BMD at lumbar spine and forearm were significantly worse at baseline in subjects with higher baseline PTH (≥250 pg/mL) when compared to the group with lower baseline PTH (<250 pg/mL). At the end of 2 years, the difference between high versus low PTH groups (mean ± SD) persisted only for forearm BMD (0.638±0.093 versus 0.698±0.041 g/cm2; P =.01). However, on follow-up visits in the first and second year after curative parathyroidectomy, there was no significant difference in BTMs, BMD at the femoral neck, lumbar spine, and TBS between the 2 groups stratified by baseline PTH. CONCLUSION: The BMD at the forearm remained significantly worse in individuals with high baseline PTH even at 2 years after surgery, while other parameters including TBS improved significantly from baseline. ABBREVIATIONS: 25(OH)D = 25-hydroxyvitamin D; BMD = bone mineral density; BMI = body mass index; BTMs = Bone turnover markers; CTX = C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen; DXA = dual energy X-ray absorptiometry; P1NP = N-terminal propeptide of type 1 procollagen; PHPT = primary hyperparathyroidism; PTH = parathyroid hormone; TBS = trabecular bone score.

Branching pattern of the portal vein in Indian population

Thorough knowledge of the variation of intrahepatic course of the portal vein is essential for pre-operative assessment of various hepatic surgeries like hepatectomy and live donor liver transplant. This study aims to determine the variation in the branching pattern of the portal vein in South Indian population. The branching pattern of the portal vein was studied by 3D reconstruction of 100 contrast-enhanced computed tomography images and in 15 formalin fixed livers using modified luminal casting technique. Radiologically, the normal portal vein anatomy was seen in 89%. The most common variation was trifurcation of portal vein (5%). A rare anomaly was noted in one case where the left portal vein gave a branch to segment VII. Using the modified luminal casting technique all the 15 specimens displayed Type I portal vein anatomy. The most common variation in the intrahepatic branching pattern ob-served was the right posterior segmental division supplying segment VIII. A rare left portal vein variation, in which it gave branches to segments V and VIII was noted. In this study, variations in the segmental supply of the portal vein were observed, which have not been studied in detail previously in the Indian population. Variations on the left portal vein are infrequent. A prior knowledge of such variations will help the interventional radiologists to reduce misinterpretations and subsequent misdiagnosis and guide the hepatobiliary

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Computed Tomography Evaluation of the Arterial Supply to Segment 4 of the Liver.

INTRODUCTION: In a setting of living-donor liver transplant and patients undergoing extended hepatic resections for both primary and metastatic liver tumors, preoperative assessment of hepatic arterial anatomy is very important because of the risk of ischemic complications in the event of inadvertent injury to the arterial supply. Anatomical variations in hepatic arterial supply to the liver are very common and seen in nearly half the population. Identifying anomalous origin of segment 4 hepatic artery is vital since this vessel can cross the transection plane and can result in liver ischemia and liver failure. The purpose of our study is to study the variations in hepatic arterial anatomy to segment 4 of the liver in the Indian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of 637 consecutive computed tomography (CT) angiograms over a period of 1 year was performed, and we analyzed the arterial supply to segment 4 of the liver. RESULTS: We found that the arterial supply to segment 4 of the liver originated from left hepatic artery (LHA) in majority of cases, 76.3%. LHA along with the accessory LHA supplied this segment in 6.4%, whereas the accessory LHA solely supplied this segment in 0.4%. The right hepatic artery (RHA) was seen to supply this segment in 10.2%. Dual supply with branches from the RHA and LHA was seen in 6.6% of patients. CONCLUSION: Preoperative mapping of segment 4 hepatic arterial supply using CT angiography will act as a roadmap to surgeons as they attempt to carefully dissect and preserve this segments' arterial supply. Depending on the anatomical variation, surgical techniques will vary to ensure safety of segment 4 arterial supply.

Normal adrenal gland thickness on computerized tomography in an Asian Indian adult population.

CONTEXT: The size and morphology of the adrenal glands are affected by several physiological and pathological conditions. Radiologists need to be aware of the normal thickness of adrenal gland to accurately assess patients with suspected adrenal pathology. However, there is limited data on the normal size of the adrenal glands. Moreover, this has not been studied in our population. AIMS: To study the normal thickness of adrenal gland on computerized tomography (CT) in Indian adult population. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Retrospective study in a tertiary care hospital in Southern India. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Our study included 586 adults who underwent a CT abdominal angiogram over 15 months, and excluding patients with clinical or imaging evidence of adrenal disease. The measurements made included: the maximum thickness of the body, medial and lateral limbs, measured perpendicular to the long axis. RESULTS: The median age was 51 (range: 18-85) years. The mean maximum thickness of the adrenal body, medial, and lateral limbs were 7.2 ± 1.8, 4.1 ± 1.1, and 4.3 ± 1.1 mm on the right side and 8.8 ± 1.9, 4.7 ± 1.1, and 4.9 ± 1.3 mm on the left. The cumulative thickness of the body and the limbs were 15.6 ± 3.7 mm and 18.4 ± 3.8 mm on the right and left sides, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in all the measurements between the right and left adrenal glands (all P values = 0.000) and between men and women, being larger in men (P value <0.05). Among our patients 27% had at least one adrenal gland body measuring ≥10 mm in thickness. CONCLUSIONS: Our study has defined the normal range of adrenal gland thickness in an Asian Indian adult population, which may be used as a baseline reference for future research and as a reference for radiological reporting.

Correlating MRI with clinical evaluation in the assessment of disease activity of Takayasu's arteritis.

OBJECTIVES: To correlate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of disease activity in patients with Takayasu's arteritis with the Indian Takayasu's activity score (ITAS). DESIGN, MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively assessed 20 patients with Takayasu's arteritis from November 2010 to September 2011. RESULTS: We found a statistically significant association between MRI assessment of disease activity and ITAS with a P-value of 0.01. The MRI features suggesting active disease included wall thickening and enhancement. We also analyzed the association between MRI and clinical assessment which was also statistically significant at P = 0.037. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that there is an association between MRI assessment of disease activity and the ITAS. MRI evaluation of disease activity of Takayasu's arteritis therefore goes hand in hand with ITAS 2010, ITAS - A, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. However this needs further investigation from future studies using serial assessments.

Congenital bronchopulmonary vascular malformations, "sequestration" and beyond.

Congenital bronchopulmonary vascular malformations (BPVMs) include a broad spectrum of disorders that involve abnormalities in the form of disruptions of normal communication and/or presence of abnormal communication between one or more of the three main systems of the lung, namely, the airways, arteries, and veins. The establishment of abnormal communications by means of small openings or anastomoses is termed as malinosculation. The aim of this pictorial essay is to illustrate the imaging appearances of the various types of pulmonary malinosculation.

Atypical ultrasound features of parathyroid tumours may bear a relationship to their clinical and biochemical presentation.

OBJECTIVES: To describe atypical ultrasound features of parathyroid lesions and correlate them with clinical presentation and histopathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 264 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who underwent ultrasound imaging prior to parathyroidectomy was performed. Patients with atypical ultrasound findings (n = 26) were identified; imaging findings were correlated with clinical presentation and histopathology. RESULTS: Twenty-one (80 %) lesions were adenomas, two (8 %) were adenomas with cellular atypia, and three (11.5 %) were carcinomas. Seventeen (65 %) lesions showed cystic change; five (19 %) of them had >50 % cystic change. These lesions were adenomas with cystic degeneration. Cystic degeneration had significant positive correlation with the lesion size and PTH level, but cystic adenomas correlated negatively with lesion weight. Six (23 %) lesions were isoechoic and one (4 %) was hyperechoic; histology predominantly revealed haemorrhage, hyalinisation and fibrosis; one lesion showed fat deposition and another had multiple granulomas within the adenoma. Twenty (83 %) lesions had heterogeneous echotexture and showed combinations of acinar dilatation, necrosis, haemorrhage and fibrosis. Heterogeneous lesions tended to be significantly larger and heavier, and they were associated with higher PTH levels. Four (15 %) lesions had calcifications. Scintigraphy was concordant in 22 (96 %), n = 23. One scintigraphy-negative lesion was a cystic parathyroid adenoma. CONCLUSION: Atypical ultrasound features of parathyroid lesions pose a diagnostic challenge. Awareness of these features would help improve lesion detection. TEACHING POINTS: 1. Cystic change is significantly related to the size, weight and measured parathyroid hormone levels. 2. Cystic change in parathyroid tumours indicated a slightly higher risk of malignancy. 3. Heterogeneous parathyroid adenomas are larger in size and heavier, and they have higher PTH levels. 4. Awareness of atypical ultrasound features will improve preoperative clinical prediction.