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Review
. 2018 Jul;97(28):e11399.
doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000011399.

Parathyroid cysts: A review of 359 patients reported in the international literature

Theodosios S Papavramidis  1 , Angeliki Chorti, Ioannis Pliakos, Stavros Panidis, Antonios Michalopoulos
Affiliations
Review

Parathyroid cysts: A review of 359 patients reported in the international literature

Theodosios S Papavramidis et al. Medicine (Baltimore). 2018 Jul.

Abstract

Background: Parathyroid cysts are lesions that represent 1-5% of neck masses. They are subdivided into two categories: functioning and non-functioning.The aim of the present review is to give a detailed account of all reported cases of parathyroid cysts in the literature and to analyze statistically the available data.

Methods: A bibliographic research was performed from 1905 until 2016. A database with the patients' characteristics was made and analyzed statistically.

Results: A total of 218 articles were found, reporting 359 cases of cysts. Mean age of patients was 49.24 y/o and the male/female ratio was 1:1.85. The most common locations were left thyroid lobe (113/358 patients, 31.6%), and superior mediastinum (69/358 patients, 19.3%), while the most common symptoms were neck mass (148/355 patients, 41.7%), compressive symptoms (73/355 patients, 206%) and hyperparathyroidism (62/355 patients, 17.5%). Non-functioning cysts were more frequent (220/357 patients, 61.6%). Regarding dimensions, mean diameter was 4.88 cm. Ultrasound and FNA are used for their diagnosis, while cystic fluid analysis may help the differential diagnosis. Recurrences were mentioned in 27/97 patients (27.8%) with available data. No deaths due to parathyroid cysts were mentioned in the literature.

Conclusion: Parathyroid cysts should be taken into consideration in case of parathyroid dysfunction or asymptomatic neck mass. The surgeon's careful manipulations on the cyst are crucial for a definitive treatment.

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Conflict of interest statement

No competing financial interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow diagram according to PRISMA Statement 2009.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Frequencies of symptoms’ categories.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Schematic localization of most frequent sites of parathyroid cysts. The diameter of the dot is proportional to the frequency of appearance.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Box-plot demonstrating age distribution among different locations of parathyroid cysts. (P < .001).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Correlation between gender and clinical presentation. (P < .001).
Figure 6
Figure 6
Age distribution among different categories of clinical presentation. (P < .001).
Figure 7
Figure 7
Correlation between treatment and clinical presentation. (P < .001).
Figure 8
Figure 8
Distribution of diameter of parathyroid cysts.
Figure 9
Figure 9
Box-plot demonstrating the distribution of dimensions among males and females. (P < .001).
Figure 10
Figure 10
Box-plot demonstrating the distribution of dimensions among different locations of parathyroid cysts. (P < .001).
Figure 11
Figure 11
Methods conducted for the diagnosis of parathyroid cysts.
Figure 12
Figure 12
Correlation between clinical presentation and cystic fluid. (P < .001).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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