Radiofrequency Ablation of Parathyroid Adenomas: Safety and Efficacy in a Study of 10 Patients

PURPOSE: To evaluate safety and effectiveness of ultrasound-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of parathyroid adenoma in surgically unfit patients with hypercalcemia because of hyperparathyroidism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of hospital records from Jan 2012 to Dec 2018 revealed 10 patients, who had undergone ablation for solitary parathyroid adenoma. All 10 patients suffered from hyperparathyroidism because of parathyroid adenoma, resulting in hypercalcemia. These patients were surgically unfit because of comorbidities. Pre-ablation serum calcium and serum parathormone levels were measured and compared with the levels after the ablation. RESULTS: Mean serum calcium level decreased significantly from 2.81 ± 0.17 mmol/L pre-ablation to 2.42 ± 0.17 mmol/L 72 h after ablation and parathyroid hormone levels became normal in all patients within 7 days. Seven patients remained normo-calcaemic at 6 months follow-up with no signs and symptoms of hyperparathyroidism. One patient with pancreatitis died after 15 days because of pre-existing multi-organ failure. Two patients were lost to follow-up before 6 months. CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency ablation of parathyroid adenoma is a safe and effective alternate treatment method for symptomatic hypercalcemia in surgically unfit patients suffering from primary hyperparathyroidism because of parathyroid adenoma.