Screen Shot 2019-01-30 at 12.00.52 PM.png — **Parathyroid Adenoma in a Geriatric Pomeranian**

Sonographer: Kara Woody DVM

Patient Information:

Age:11 years
Gender: Neutered Male
Breed: Pomeranian
Species: Canine

History:

Recent development of hypercalcemia. Patient is currently under therapy by oncologist for a transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder and is doing well.

Laboratory Findings:

Hypercalcemia

Ultrasonographic Findings:

There is a homogenous severely hypoechoic rounded hypoechoic nodule (2.8x3.2mm) present in the caudal pole of the right thyroid gland. No other parathyroid glands are visualized in either thyroid gland.

Abdominal Ultrasound Interpretation:

Parathyroid Enlargement-DDx: diffuse hyperplasia vs. adenoma vs. adenomatous hyperplasia vs. adenocarcinoma

*Hyperplasia and neoplasia can overlap in size and cannot be differentiated with ultrasound alone (both look the same sonographically) but requires histopathology to definitively diagnose.

Outcome:

The mass was removed by a board certified surgeon and histopathology was performed which was consistent with a parathyroid adenoma with complete excision. The patient’s hypercalcemia resolved after removal and he continues to do well.

Discussion:

Parathyroid tumors are an important differential in hypercalcemic patients. The majority of these tumors are benign adenomas and removal is curative. These tumors are often easily visualized with a cervical ultrasound. Providing the surgeon with an exact location will greatly assist with surgical planning.