Preoperative identification of tumor of the parathyroid by ultrasonotomography.

Parathyroid echograms were carried out in ten patients with clinical hyperparathyroidism. In seven patients, the preoperative examination was capable of detecting and localizing enlarged parathyroid glands. The echograms of parathyroid adenomas as well as carcinoma showed a characteristic cystic pattern, for which the term hollow pattern is the most suitable expression. In preoperatively detected instances using echography, the parathyroid tumors were oval-shaped and larger in size and weight. This method is a safe, simple and noninvasive technique that produces no discomfort to the patient. The reliability rate of 70 per cent in our study is acceptable. Therefore, echography of the parathyroid is applicable as a new diagnostic procedure for preoperative localization of parathyroid tumors.