Traumatic rupture of a cervical parathyroid adenoma.

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous rupture of a hyperplastic parathyroid gland or adenoma resulting in extracapsular hemorrhage is extremely rare.

METHODS

We report a case of traumatic rupture of a cervical parathyroid gland adenoma.

RESULTS

The patient had progressive stridor, neck swelling, and chest and back pain with evidence of ongoing blood loss resulting in airway compromise. Exploration of the neck and superior mediastinum revealed hypercellular parathyroid tissue consistent with adenoma or hyperplasia.

CONCLUSIONS

Traumatic rupture of an enlarged parathyroid gland is a distinct and potentially lethal cause of unexplained cervical or mediastinal hemorrhage after blunt neck trauma. Failure to consider the diagnosis may result in delayed operative intervention with persistent hemorrhage resulting in airway compromise.