TRAUMATIC RUPTURE OF A CERVICAL PARATHYROID ADENOMA

Background. Spontaneous rupture of a hyperplastic parathyroid gland or adenoma resulting in extracapsular hemorrhage is extremely rare. Meth ods. We report a case of traumatic rupture of a cervical parathyroid g land adenoma. Results. The patient had progressive stridor, neck swell ing, and chest and back pain with evidence of ongoing blood loss resul ting in airway compromise. Exploration of the neck and superior medias tinum revealed hypercellular parathyroid tissue consistent with adenom a or hyperplasia. Conclusions. Traumatic rupture of an enlarged parath yroid gland is a distinct and potentially lethal cause of unexplained cervical or mediastinal hemorrhage after blunt neck trauma. Failure to consider the diagnosis may result in delayed operative intervention w ith persistent hemorrhage resulting in airway compromise.