The Results of Ultrasonography-Guided Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation in Hyperparathyroid Patients in Whom Surgery Is Not Feasible.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of ultrasonography (US)-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in hyperparathyroid patients who refused surgery or had high surgical risks.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Five patients with hyperparathyroidism (HPT) underwent US-guided RFA for a single hyperfunctioning parathyroid lesion. Post-ablation serum calcium and parathormone (PTH) assays were performed. All patients underwent imaging studies 6 months after the ablation to visualize the post-ablation change in the size of the treated parathyroid lesions.

RESULTS: All patients were normocalcemic on the post-ablation 1st day and 6th month. The post-ablation PTH levels were normal in three patients but remained elevated in two patients. The size of the parathyroid lesion was ≥30 mm in the two patients with elevated PTH, whereas the lesion was smaller than 30 mm in those with normal post-ablation PTH values.

CONCLUSION: Although this is a limited case series, it demonstrates the potential feasibility of RFA for HPT. Benefits were achieved particularly in patients with small parathyroid lesions.