MEDIASTINAL PARATHYROID CYSTS

Objective: To present our experience with mediastinal parathyroid cyst s and summarize previously reported cases. Design: We retrospectively reviewed medical records and reviewed the pertinent literature. Materi al and Methods: The clinical, operative, and pathologic findings in 7 cases of mediastinal parathyroid cysts encountered at one institution and 31 cases previously reported in the literature are described. Resu lts: Rarely, cysts may arise from an aberrant mediastinal parathyroid gland, Such cysts may manifest as a symptomatic mass, as an asymptomat ic finding on roentgenography, or during the assessment of a patient w ith hyperparathyroidism, The diagnosis may be made by fine-needle aspi ration or by excision and pathologic examination. Conclusion: Function ing parathyroid cysts represent degeneration of a hyperfunctioning gla nd, such as an adenoma, and are usually removed through a cervical app roach, Nonfunctioning cysts in asymptomatic patients with normal serum calcium levels are considered indeterminate and should be managed acc ordingly, Excision is usually recommended.