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Parathyroid Case 4 Answers

1) Any abnormal uptake?

There is abnormal uptake in the anterior mediastinum, slightly to the right of the centre. Its position corresponds with that of the thymus.

2) List 4 sites for ectopic parathyroids

The most common glands to maldescend are the inferior glands, which descend with the thymus and thyroid from the third pharyngeal pouch. The parathymic tissues in the anterior mediastinum are the most common ectopic location. Other areas include retropharyngeal, retrooesophageal, paraoesophageal and in the tracheoesophageal groove.

3) How common are they?

Ectopic glands are noted in about 10% of cases and SPECT is useful for further anatomical localization.

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The text is entirely the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect that of RUH NHS Trust or the Bristol Radiology Training Scheme. Website content devised by Paul McCoubrie.