Parathyroid adenoma associated with thymoma in a female adult with primary hyperparathyroidism

Abstract

Introduction: Parathyroid adenoma associated with a thymoma is a rare clinical entity and few cases have been reported in the literature. This association can be explained by the common embryologic origin of the parathyroid glands and the thymus. These patients may present only with clinical signs and symptoms of primary hyperparathyroidism making it difficult to suspect the coexistence of thymoma.

Presentation of case: A 68-year-old female with medical history of primary hyperparathyroidism underwent surgical excision of a single parathyroid adenoma. Intra-operatively a small mass was detected in the proximity of the parathyroid adenoma and was also removed. Pathologic examination revealed parathyroid adenoma as suspected pre-operatively whereas the small mass excised was identified as a type A thymoma. The postoperative course of the patient was favourable, with normal serum calcium levels and in six months follow-up the patient is symptom-free and with no recurrence.

Discussion: Objective of this study is to report the rare case of a female adult with a parathyroid adenoma and a coexisting thymoma in order to underline the importance of these two pathologies and the ideal treatment that should be followed according to the latest records.

Conclusion: Surgical removal of parathyroid adenoma is the treatment of choice for primary hyperparathyroidism, with complete recovery and no postoperative complications. Thymoma may be associated with primary hyperparathyoridism, with or without clinical signs and symptoms of myasthenia gravis and this is a rare clinical entity as very few cases have been described worldwide. To our knowledge this is the first case reported in Greece.

Fig. 1

Left inferior parathyroid gland.

Fig. 2

Parathyroid adenoma up on the left and thymoma down on the right.

Fig. 3

Surgical specimens of parathyroid adenoma on the right and thymoma on the left.