Superior parathyroids derived from what?
4th pharyngeal pouch
Inferior parathyroids derived from what?
3rd pharyngeal pouch
Relation of superior parathyroids to surrounding structures?

Relation of inferior parathyroids to surrounding structures?

Most common ectopic location of inferior parathyroids?
Other locations?
Tail of the thymus.
Intrathyroid, mediastinal (anterior), near TE groove.
What % of patients have all 4 parathyroid glands?
90%
Blood supply to both superior and inferior parathyroids?
Inferior thyroid artery from thyrocervical trunk
Effects of PTH?
Increase serum Ca and decrease serum PO4 through kidneys and bones
How does vitamin D increase Ca?
Increases intestinal Ca and PO4 absorption by increasing Ca-binding protein
Effects of calcitonin?
Antagonistic to PTH - Decreases serum Ca
Normal PTH level?
5-40 pg/mL
Most common cause of hypoparathyroidism?
Previous thyroid surgery
What oncogene increases the risk for parathyroid adenomas?
PRAD-1
What causes primary hyperparathyroidism?
Autonomously high PTH
How is the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism made?
Acid-base disorder seen with primary hyperparathyroidism?
Hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis
What is the bone lesion characteristic of primary hyperparathyroidism?
Osteitis fibrosa cystica (brown tumors)
Caused by high turnover

Symptoms of primary hyperparathyroidism?
Think of hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia symptoms
Indications for surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism?
% of patients with single adenoma?
80%
% of patients with multiple adenomas?
4%
% of patients with diffuse hyperplasia?
15%
MEN I or IIa pts have 4-gland hyperplasia
Treatment for parathyroid adenoma?
Resection
Inspect other glands to r/o hyperplasia or multiple adenomas
Treatment for parathyroid hyperplasia?
Do not biopsy all glands (risk hemorrhage)
Resect 3.5 glands or total parathyroidecomy and autoimplantation