Prospective biochemical and scintigraphic evaluation of autografted normal parathyroid glands in patients undergoing thyroid operations

Background. Parathyroid autotransplantation has been widely used in thyroid operations. Few studies have assessed the function of the autotransplanted glands. The aim of this study was to evaluate the success rate, pattern of biochemical function, and scintigraphic appearance of parathyroid autografts in patients undergoing thyroid operations. Methods. Twelve patients in whom 1 parathyroid gland was removed during thyroid operation were included. Glands were fragmented and autografted into individual pockets in the brachioradialis muscle of the nondominant forearm. Parathyroid hormone levels were measured in both arms the day of autotransplantation and 2 weeks and 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after operation. Serum calcium levels were also measured at each interval. Sestamibi scanning was performed 6 months after operation in 7 patients. Results. All patients were women with a mean age of 50 +/- 15 years. Serum calcium levels were normal during follow-up, A gradient of parathyroid hormone level of 1.5 or greater between the autotransplanted and nontransplanted arm was found in 10 patients. Isotope uptake at the site of the parathyroid autotransplant was demonstrated in the 7 patients evaluated. Conclusions. Biochemical function of autotransplanted normal parathyroid tissue was documented in 83 % of the patients. Sestamibi scintiscans were able to identify the autotransplanted tissue.