The outcome of subtotal parathyroidectomy for the treatment of hyperparathyroidism in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1

Abstract

Background: The efficacy of subtotal parathyroidectomy for the treatment of hyperparathyroidism in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1) is unclear. The long-term outcome and optimal timing of operation remain controversial.

Objective: To determine the long-term outcome of parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism in the presence of MEN 1.

Design: Case series and retrospective analysis.

Setting: Tertiary referral center.

Patients: Patients with MEN 1 from 2 families.

Interventions: Subtotal parathyroidectomy, ie, resection of 3 1/2 parathyroid glands from each patient.

Main outcome measures: Recurrence of hyperparathyroidism.

Results: Thirty-seven patients underwent subtotal parathyroidectomy. Overall, persistent postoperative hypoparathyroidism developed in 24%, normocalcemia was maintained in 46%, and hyperparathyroidism recurred in 30%. However, after adjustment for the duration of follow-up (by using the Kaplan-Meier method), the cumulative recurrence rates for hyperparathyroidism were 15% at 2 years, 23% at 4 years, 55% at 8 years, and 67% after 8 years. Early recurrence of hyperparathyroidism (within 5 years of operation) was less likely to develop in patients in whom ionized calcium levels of 1.00 mmol/L (4.00 mg/dL) or less were achieved during the perioperative period than in patients in whom this degree of hypocalcemia failed to develop (P=.01).

Conclusions: While relatively long periods of disease remission are possible after subtotal parathyroidectomy, our results indicate that recurrent hyperparathyroidism eventually develops in most patients with MEN 1.