Synchronous thyroid pathology in patients presenting with primary hyperparathyroidism

Background: Thyroid and parathyroid pathology may coexist; classically, this is described in multiple endocrine neoplasia. Other nonsyndromic scenarios result in pathologies of these endocrine organs coexisting. This can create a challenge in the clinical decision making and management of these patients. It is optimal to deal with both problems in one operative procedure, if surgery is required. Methods: A retrospective review of cases of synchronous thyroid and parathyroid pathology that were managed surgically over a 3-year period by a single endocrine surgeon at a single university medical center. Results: Seventeen cases of synchronous thyroid and parathyroid disease were discovered. All required surgical management of thyroid and parathyroid conditions. Reasons included removal of thyroid goiter for access to an adenoma, worrisome thyroid lesions coexistent with a parathyroid adenoma, and an intrathyroid parathyroid adenoma. Cases of incidental discovery of a second endocrine condition while the first was evaluated will be reported. Conclusions: A head and neck endocrine surgeon needs to be aware of the possible coexistence of thyroid and parathyroid pathologies so that, when encountered, they can be safely and efficiently managed in a single procedure. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.