Abstract

Parathyroid cysts are extremely rare cystic formations in the mediastinum. Since the first described case, there have been approximately 150 cases reported in the English literature. Patients often present with symptoms related to compression of the adjacent tissues, while only 20 to 40% of cases have an evidence of hyperparathyroidism. For preliminary diagnosis, parathyroid scintigraphy can be helpful, although most cases are diagnosed by postoperative pathological analysis of surgical samples. The most optimal surgical procedure is total excision of the mass, where the surgical approach of choice can be either thoracotomy or median sternotomy according to the size and localization of the lesion. Herein, we report a 67-year-old male case of a mediastinal mass extending to the right hemithorax.

Parathyroid cysts are rare lesions of the cervical region and the mediastinum. They were first described by Sandström, a Swedish anatomist.[1] Mediastinal parathyroid cysts were first defined by Quervain in 1925.[2] There have been approximately 150 cases of parathyroid cysts reported worldwide.[3]

To date, five theories relating to the origin of parathyroid cysts have been proposed. These theories have suggested that parathyroid cysts originate from (i) embryologic remnants of the third and fourth branchial cleft; (ii) previously existing microcysts coalescing into one large cyst; (iii) simple retention of parathyroid secretions; (iv) atrophied remnants of the Kürsteiner canals of parathyroid glands of embryonic life; and (v) cystic degeneration of preexisting adenomas.[4] However, none of these theories can adequately explain the pathophysiology of parathyroid cysts on its own, and it is likely that more than one mechanism is responsible for their formation.

Parathyroid cysts can be categorized into two as functioning and non-functioning.[4] About 20 to 40% of cases present with signs of hyperparathyroidism and are accompanied by hypercalcemia symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, bone and joint pain, and pathological fractures.[5,6]

In non-functioning cysts, due to the pressure on intra-thoracic organs, signs and symptoms such as dyspnea, dysphagia, vocal cord paralysis, or findings of thrombi caused by brachiocephalic vein or jugular vein compression are possible.[6,7] Dysphonia is frequently seen in large mediastinal masses due to recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries.[6] However, most mediastinal parathyroid cysts are asymptomatic.[7]

Despite modern imaging techniques, mediastinal parathyroid cysts can be rarely diagnosed preoperatively. These cysts can be confused with bronchogenic cysts, duplication cysts, and thymic cysts.[4] Parathyroid scintigraphy is valuable in determining the cysts originating from parathyroid gland. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels of the fluid inside the cyst being higher than serum levels are also useful for the diagnosis.

Herein, we report a 67-year-old male case of a mediastinal mass extending to the right hemithorax in whom the histopathological result was reported as a parathyroid cyst.

Case Presentation

A 67-year-old male patient presenting with dysphagia complaints was referred to our Thoracic Surgery outpatient clinic. Previously, thoracic computed tomography (CT) revealed a mediastinal mass extending to the right hemithorax (Figure 1). The patient did not have symptoms such as myalgia, malaise, weight loss, polydipsia, or polyuria suggesting a preliminary diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism. He had a 30-pack-year history of cigarette smoking and was under follow-up for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There were no pathological findings on physical examination. In addition, preoperative laboratory test results were normal. The patient was scheduled for the excision of the cyst.

Figure 1: Thoracic computed tomography showing that a cystic mediastinal lesion extending to the compression of the trachea and esophagus.

A written informed consent was obtained from the patient. The cyst covered with parietal pleura and surrounded by azygos vein inferiorly, trachea medially, superior vena cava anteriorly, and esophagus posteriorly was totally resected (Figure 2). The superior part of the cyst was connected to the thyroid gland; therefore, it was thought to be a parathyroid cyst. The PTH levels of the cyst fluid were not studied, since the test results would not alter the surgical procedure. Serum calcium and PTH levels were studied twice on Days 1 and 3, postoperatively. Calcium levels were 12.08 and 9.05 (reference range: 9-11 mg/dL), PTH levels were 32.56 and 34.84 pg/mL (reference range: 10-65 pg/mL), respectively, and all were reported to be normal. The patient was discharged on postoperative Day 5. He had no active complaints during follow-up in the postoperative first and third months. Chest X-ray and blood work-up did not show any abnormal findings.

Figure 2: An intraoperative view of the cystic lesion.

Gross examination of the surgical specimen showed a 7.5¥4.5¥1.8 cm cyst and when it was cut open, the internal surface was septated. Immunohistochemistry profile was positive for pan-cytokeratin and cytokeratin 19, negative for vimentin, chromogranin A, and thyroid transcription factor 1, while the Ki-67 score was 1 to 3%. The histopathological result was reported as a parathyroid cyst (Figure 3).

Figure 3: Image of hematoxylin and eosin staining of parathyroid cells in the cyst wall at ¥5 and ¥20 magnification.