Ultrasound-guided thermal ablation for hyperparathyroidism: current status and prospects

Int J Hyperthermia. 2022;39(1):466-474. doi: 10.1080/02656736.2022.2028907.

Abstract

Background: Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) is classified into primary HPT (PHPT), secondary HPT (SHPT), tertiary HPT (THPT), and pseudohyperparathyroidism. Parathyroid surgery is generally reserved for patients with symptomatic PHPT and asymptomatic patients who meet the surgical guideline criteria. However, the risk of complications and mortality after parathyroid gland surgery increases with increasing patient age.

Aim: This study aimed to review existing research on laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, and high-intensity focused ultrasound in the treatment of HPT and analyze its application prospects.

Conclusions: Thermal ablation is a good alternative treatment for patients with parathyroid hyperplasia who do not meet the criteria or decline surgery. Being a type of minimally invasive treatment, ultrasound-guided thermal ablation has the advantages of easy operation, rapid recovery, and reusability and is used widely.

Keywords: Hyperparathyroidism; high-intensity focused ultrasound; laser ablation; microwave ablation; parathyroid glands; radiofrequency ablation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Hyperparathyroidism, Primary* / surgery
  • Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary* / complications
  • Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary* / diagnostic imaging
  • Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary* / surgery
  • Parathyroid Glands / diagnostic imaging
  • Parathyroid Glands / surgery
  • Ultrasonography
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional