Structure and function of the parathyroid glands. General characteristics of parathyroid hormones. Diseases of the parathyroid glands

The parathyroid glands, or it would be more correct to call them the parathyroid glands, are an independent paired organ internal secretion. It consists of two pairs of small endocrine glands oval shape. They are located on the back of the thyroid gland, at its lower and upper poles.

The parathyroid gland synthesizes two parathyroid gland are parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin.

We found out what hormones the parathyroid gland synthesizes. Now let's talk about the functions for which they are responsible. Parathyroid hormones are of great importance for the body.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a protein compound that contains iron, nitrogen and sulfur. This hormone is constantly being synthesized.

  • With its participation, the formation of the skeleton and the accumulation of calcium in the bones are carried out - important element providing strength bone tissue.
  • In addition, this secretion of the parathyroid gland stimulates the function of osteoclasts, which are responsible for the removal of calcium from bone tissue into the blood. This process allows you to maintain the right balance between the calcium content in the bones and blood. Moreover, it contains about 99% calcium, and in the blood serum it is only 1%.
  • Calcium ions are involved in the transmission nerve impulses, contractile activity muscle tissue. Calcium is important component in the blood coagulation system and activates the action of certain enzymes.

Calcitonin is responsible for reducing the concentration of calcium in the blood and is not synthesized constantly, but only with hypercalcemia.

Thus, parathyroid hormones and their functions for the human body are indispensable. They take part in important metabolic processes.

The action of parathyroid hormone on other organs

That parathyroid hormones are important for skeletal system, we found. Now let us dwell on their action on other organs.

  • This hormone exerts its influence on the urinary system. Some calcium is excreted from the body with the kidneys. This process occurs under the control of parathyroid hormone.
  • Parathyroid hormone aids in the absorption of calcium from small intestine into the blood.
  • This hormone reduces the deposition of calcium in the lens of the eye.

Hypofunction of the parathyroid gland

The hormones of the parathyroid gland with its hypofunction are produced in insufficient quantities. The inhibited activity of the parathyroid gland causes the so-called tetany, or convulsive illness. At the same time, excitability nervous systems s increases significantly. In some muscles, fibrillar contractions are periodically observed, turning into prolonged convulsions. AT severe cases convulsions spread to all muscle groups, including respiratory ones, as a result of which the patient dies from asphyxia (suffocation).

In the case of a gradual slow progression of tetany, patients may experience disorders associated with the digestive system, dental problems, as well as poor growth hair and nails.

Parathyroid hormones maintain normal calcium levels in the blood. Normally, it ranges from 2.1 to 2.5 mmol / l. With tetany, the level of calcium in the blood serum does not rise above 2.12 mmol / l. This is manifested not only by muscle cramps, such patients are nervous and often suffer from insomnia.

Hyperfunction of the parathyroid gland

The hormones of the parathyroid gland with its hyperfunction are synthesized in excess. This can occur with hyperactivity of some of the sections of this endocrine gland. It leads to serious violations associated with an imbalance of calcium in the blood serum. This condition is called hyperparathyroidism and can lead to pathological processes:

  • Parathyroid osteodystrophy.
  • Hypercalcemia.

Symptoms of hyperparathyroidism

Primary are non-specific:

  • Apathy, lethargy, weakness.
  • Bad mood.
  • Nausea and decreased or lack of appetite.
  • Constipation.
  • Pain in joints and bones.

One of the options for hyperparathyroidism can be chronic hyperfunction of the glands, while the level of calcium in the bones decreases, and in the blood, on the contrary, increases. The bones of such patients become brittle, disorder occurs digestive system and there are problems associated with the cardiovascular system.

Hyperfunction may appear due to the growth of a separate section of the parathyroid gland. In the blood of such patients is determined excess amount calcium and excessive ossification of the skeleton. Patients may have indigestion (diarrhea, vomiting). On the part of the nervous system, there is reduced excitability, apathy. At further development diseases may appear curvature of the skeleton (deformation chest and spine). Patients lose a lot of weight in a few months - up to 10-15 kg in 3-4 months. There may be temporary excitability, which is later replaced by lethargy. Such a state requires immediate treatment, because in advanced severe cases, this can result in the death of the patient. In case of appearance similar symptoms you should immediately consult a doctor, preferably an endocrinologist.

Treatment of disorders of the parathyroid gland

We found out what function the parathyroid hormones perform. Violations in the work of this endocrine gland need to be corrected. Hypofunction is treated much easier. The patient needs to be given a series of medicines and adjust the diet, and it is also recommended to take sunbathing. This will improve the absorption of calcium by the body, because. this requires vitamin D, which our skin produces under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.

Treatment of hyperfunction of this organ is carried out only surgically. In this case, only the overgrown area of ​​the parathyroid gland is removed. This organ cannot be completely removed, because this will lead to uncontrolled convulsions and death of the patient.

Parathyroid hormones and their effect on the body are very important. In time to identify problems associated with the work of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, will help preventive examinations and dispensary. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe an ultrasound. With the help of such an examination, it will not be difficult for a specialist to identify the problem in time.

The development of human anatomy and physiology is due to the need to treat diseases. Learn about the structure and functions of an important part of the body, the gland, which is responsible for many metabolic processes. This will help to recognize deviations, find out the causes of violations and eliminate them in time.

parathyroid glands

Important role The endocrine system plays a role in human life. It produces hormones and with their help regulate metabolism and activity. internal organs. The parathyroid glands belong to the glandular (glandula parathyroidea) endocrine system. There is mutual influence of the glandular and nervous systems. In the body, the production of hormones of the first of them is affected by the central nervous system. Its activity depends on the activity of the parathyroid gland.

The structure of the parathyroid gland

The parathyroid gland got its other name because of its location. It is located behind the thyroid, on the back surface of its lateral lobes. Consists of several pairs of asymmetrical small bodies. The dimensions of the lower bodies are larger than the upper ones. The number ranges from two to six pairs. The structure of the parathyroid gland is trabecular (spongy). From the epithelial capsule diverge trabeculae, which consist of parathyrocyte cells. The surface of the bodies is loose, the color is pale pink in a child and yellowish-brown in adults.

Parathyroid gland - functions

The function of the parathyroid gland is the ability to be responsible for controlling the concentration of calcium in the blood. This is necessary for the normal functioning of the body. An increase in the concentration of calcium in the blood occurs by the action of the parathyroid gland on the kidneys and on the bones. The overall result is achieved like this:

  1. Vitamin D is activated in the kidneys. In the intestinal walls, the vitamin stimulates the production of a transport protein, which promotes the absorption of calcium into the blood.
  2. Decreased urinary excretion of calcium.
  3. The activity of cells that destroy bone tissue is activated, and calcium enters the blood from it.

Parathyroid hormones

The parathyroid gland produces valuable parathyroid hormone. Parathyroid hormones affect metabolic processes. The mechanism of action on the concentration of calcium in the blood is to measure it with the help of receptors located on the surface of the parathyroid gland and regulate the production of parathyroid hormone. A decrease in calcium levels in the blood serves as a signal for an increase in the release of the hormone.

Parathyroid diseases

Impaired function endocrine system leads to serious disorders in the body as a whole. Diseases of the parathyroid gland occur against the background of its increased or reduced activity. An increase in secretion above the norm leads to the accumulation of an excessive amount of calcium in the blood - hypercalcemia, dysfunction gives rise to calcium deficiency. Violation of blood counts causes diseases of internal organs and bone tissue.

Hyperparathyroidism

The disease develops due to hyperactivity of one or more sections of the parathyroid gland. Hyperparathyroidism is distinguished:

  1. Primary. The cause is an adenoma, hyperplasia, or cancer. Their presence leads to uncontrolled secretion of the hormone. Caused by stress medical preparations, reduced pressure.
  2. Secondary. It develops as a reaction to a lack of calcium in food, vitamin D deficiency, chronic renal failure.
  3. Tertiary. Occurs with prolonged kidney failure when kidney function is restored, and parathyroid hormone continues to be produced excessively.

Hyperparathyroidism - symptoms

Clinical manifestations depend on the stage of the disease and may occur in various forms. Early manifestations diseases are accompanied by symptoms:

Symptoms of hyperparathyroidism depend on the form of the disease. Distinguish:

  • bone;
  • renal;
  • gastrointestinal;
  • neuropsychic.

The bone form of parathyroidism is accompanied by symptoms:

  • pain in the bones;
  • frequent fractures;
  • curvature of bones, rickets and scoliosis in children.

Primary hyperparathyroidism can result in parathyroid osteodystrophy, or Recklinghausen's disease. The disease is accompanied by loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, thirst, curvature and softening of the bones. Thickenings appear on the skull and bones of the face, there is a curvature and shortening of the limbs. Symptoms of urolithiasis may join.

The renal form is characterized by:

Symptoms of the disease in gastrointestinal form the following:

  • heartburn;
  • nausea;
  • weight loss;
  • belching;
  • vomit;
  • pain in the upper abdomen.

Hyperparathyroidism - diagnosis

The presence of these complaints is a signal for a thorough examination of the patient's body. Diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism includes:

Biochemical analysis determines the concentration of calcium and phosphorus in the blood. A qualitative hormonal analysis is carried out in the Helix clinic and the level of parathyroid hormones is determined. Experts provide advice on proper preparation to research. The x-ray shows changes in the bone tissue. Additionally, a study of the kidneys and intestines is prescribed.

Hyperparathyroidism - treatment

The prognosis of the course of the disease depends on the causes of its occurrence. Treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism is only surgical. It is aimed at removing the adenoma. In case of untimely treatment, in cases of bone form, consequences may remain - limitation of mobility, disability. heal secondary form can conservative methods by removing the cause. The use of calcium-containing medicines shown to bind phosphates in the renal form, after which vitamin D is prescribed. This reduces the secretion of hormones.

Folk methods for the prevention of the disease recommend:

Benign enlargement of the parathyroid gland (PTG) indicates the development of the disease. Parathyroid adenoma is a neoplasm with a smooth yellow-brown surface. It has clear boundaries. The receptors on its surface have mutated and constantly signal a lack of calcium. There is an increased secretion of the hormone. Hypercalcemia is noted in the blood. The problem is more common in women.

Parathyroid adenoma - treatment

Surgery is indicated for patients with an enlarged parathyroid gland. They also prescribe a diet, diuretics, intravenously injected sodium chloride, bisphosphonates. Treatment of parathyroid adenoma begins with the use of drugs to normalize the concentration of calcium. After removal of the diseased area, blood counts return to normal after a few hours.

Hyperplasia of the parathyroid gland

Hyperfunction is another form of the disease. Hyperplasia of the parathyroid gland is characterized by its increase without changing the structure. Often the causes are hereditary. The development of hyperplasia can lead to hyperparathyroidism. At the onset of the disease drug treatment leads to a decrease in calcium concentration. As the disease progresses, it is inevitable surgical intervention.

Parathyroid Cancer

Malignant formations happen rarely. Parathyroid cancer is a grayish tumor that tends to grow into other tissues. It develops slowly. The onset of the disease is accompanied by symptoms characteristic of hyperparathyroidism. Causes include radiation poor nutrition, salt poisoning heavy metals. shown surgical removal tumors. Affected lymph nodes and tissues can be removed. Appoint hormone therapy.

Video: Pathology of the parathyroid glands

A person has two pairs of parathyroid (parathyroid) glands located on the surface or inside. The composition of the gland includes the so-called basic (“dark” and “light”) cells, which have acidophilic protoplasm with oxyphilic inclusions in the protoplasm (they appear only after the age of 20, multiplying with age). The bulk of the gland is made up of "dark" cells. In the parenchyma of the gland is a system of tubules that contains a colloidal substance. The glands are well equipped with blood and lymphatic vessels, receive sympathetic (from the cervical ganglia) and parasympathetic ( nervus vagus) innervation.
Hormones parathyroid glands. The parathyroid glands produce parathormone (parathyrin), which, along with thyroid calcitonin, regulates calcium metabolism in the body and maintains its content in the blood at a certain level. This is achieved due to: a) resorption of calcium from the bones b) reabsorption from the distal tubules of the nephron c) acceleration of absorption from the intestine under the influence of the vitamin D metabolite, which is formed in the kidneys. In parallel, parathyroid hormone causes the release of phosphate from mineral matter, which forms bone (hydroxyapatite) and inhibits the reabsorption of phosphates in the kidneys, thus reducing their concentration in the blood.
With insufficient function of the parathyroid glands, the calcium content in the blood is significantly reduced (normally this figure is 2.25-2.75 mmol / l). Conversely, with hyperfunction of the glands, its increase is observed.
The mechanism of action of parathyroid hormone on the bone cells associated with specific membrane receptors. Due to the contact of the hormone with the receptor, the activity of adenylate cyclase increases, the content of cAMP and the entry of Ca2 + into bone cells increase.
An increase in intracellular calcium concentration leads to an acceleration of the transformation of progenitor cells into osteoblasts and osteoclasts, followed by the release of Ca2 + from bone tissue.
Regulation of the function of the parathyroid glands. The most important regulator of the level of parathyroid hormone is the concentration of calcium in the blood. With hypocalcemia, the production of parathyroid hormone increases, with hypercalcemia, the breakdown of the hormone synthesized in the cells begins, and its concentration in the blood decreases. Stimulation of the parathyroid glands is also noted when the adrenergic system is excited, the mediators of which act through the a-adrenergic receptors of cell membranes.
The level of calcium in the blood is especially important for the function of excitable structures. Its decrease is accompanied by an increase in the excitability of the neuromuscular system, the occurrence of involuntary tonic contractions of the skeletal muscles. Spasmodic contractions of the respiratory and pharyngeal muscles can lead to death. This syndrome is called tetany and is a manifestation of hypoparathyroidism, a condition that develops as a result of the removal of the parathyroid glands during surgery on thyroid gland or autoimmune destruction of cells that produce parathyroid hormone. With the development of tumors (adenomas) of the parathyroid glands, the level of calcium in the blood plasma can rise to 0.17 g / l (normally 0.1 g / l), causing the development of hyperparathyroidism. The patient suffers from damage to the bones, slowing of heart contractions (bradycardia), calcium deposits in the vessels and kidneys. In many cases kidney stones are the result of high activity of the parathyroid glands. A patient with hyperparathyroidism may die as a result of cardiac arrest after a calcium-rich meal.

The parathyroid gland (it is also parathyroid, parathyroid) is one organ of the endocrine system, consisting of 4 formations located in pairs with reverse side thyroid gland (near the upper and lower poles of this organ). The main function of the parathyroid gland is the production of parathyroid hormone (parathyroid hormone).

Anatomical features

1 - pharynx; 2 - lobes of the thyroid gland; 3 - upper parathyroid glands; 4 - lower parathyroid glands; 5 - esophagus; 6 - trachea; 7 - lower thyroid arteries

The parathyroid gland is an endocrine organ, the structure of which suggests an oval shape and a length of more than 8 mm. Total The parathyroid glands in the human body range from four to twelve. There is an organ behind the left and right lobe thyroid gland (it is in this arrangement that the organs owe their name).

The structure of the parathyroid glands is such that their upper pair is located behind the thyroid gland (outside the capsule), and the lower pair is located in the thickness of the thyroid gland (under its capsule).

The structure of the glands has other features: the formations are rounded (or elongated), flattened, weighing no more than half a gram each.

The parathyroid glands are covered by a thin capsule connective tissue. Special partitions extend from it inward, in which nerve fibers and blood vessels.

Why do you need an organ

The functions of the parathyroid glands are to regulate the level of calcium in the human body - this is necessary for the optimal functioning of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. So, when the percentage of this trace element in the blood falls, the parathyroid gland receptors activate their work and secrete required amount hormone into the blood.

Parathyroid hormone, in turn, stimulates osteoclasts - they synthesize calcium from bone tissue.

If the thyroid and parathyroid glands are not developed (absent), this leads to:

  • disturbance of phosphorus-calcium metabolism in human body;
  • development of various endocrine pathologies(hypo - or hyperparathyroidism);
  • the appearance of a cataract.

Hormonal function of the parathyroid gland

Parathyroid hormone is a secretion product of the organ. Its main functions are as follows:

  • the substance is necessary to regulate the level of calcium ions in the blood at a vital level;
  • if the percentage of calcium falls, parathyroid hormone activates osteoclasts, which produce it from bone tissue;
  • the substance leads to effects opposite to that of thyrocalcitonin (it is secreted by C-cells of the thyroid gland).

One of the most serious diseases of the parathyroid gland is increased activity one or more areas this body. The main consequences of such a disease are the release of an excessive amount of parathyroid hormone into the blood and, accordingly, calcium imbalance in the body.

Parathyroid dysfunctions and their consequences

This disease of the parathyroid gland is called hyperparathyroidism, leading to hypercalcemia. The treatment for this disease is surgical intervention, during which the pathological part of the organ is removed.

Symptoms of the disease:

  • softening, demineralization of bones;
  • osteoporosis, increased risk fractures;
  • symptoms of kidney dysfunction: urolithiasis disease, renal colic, nephrocalcinosis, pathological renal failure, uremia;
  • symptoms of hypercalcemia: memory impairment, a person gets tired quickly, pathological drowsiness, miotic weakness, depression and psychosis, malfunction of the digestive tract.

Treatment of the disease is the removal of altered tissues of the parathyroid gland, as well as nodes that have appeared on the organ and other pathological neoplasms. To restore the hormonal imbalance that has arisen against the background of the disease, the patient is prescribed special pharmacological preparations.

Another disease of the parathyroid gland is hypoparathyroidism - the symptoms of the disease are due to a decrease in the level of hormone production by this organ.

The main symptoms of the disease:

  • spasms in the arms and legs;
  • convulsions;
  • limb numbness.

Also, the consequences of the development of such a disease can manifest itself in vision problems, the skin can become pale and dry, brain function is disrupted, and cardiomegaly develops.

Hypoparathyroidism is diagnosed as follows:

  • by collecting anamnesis;
  • ECG analysis;
  • various laboratory studies.

Treatment of the disease is aimed at eliminating the consequences of dysfunction of phosphorus-calcium, as well as protein metabolism in the human body. Start treatment with intravenous injections calcium-containing drugs, for the assimilation of which is indicated additional reception vitamin D.

To prevent attacks of tetany, patients are prescribed antispasmodics and sedative drugs.

To prevent Negative consequences pathology, patients should adhere to a magnesium-calcium diet, as well as food restriction, which in in large numbers contain phosphorus.

Most often, two other diseases lead to the above diseases of the parathyroid gland - hyperplasia and adenoma (tumors of the parathyroid glands). They contribute to the development of hormonal imbalance in the human body. Often leads to failure benign tumors parathyroid glands - active cysts.

Albright disease

A separate place among the pathologies of the parathyroid gland is occupied by the so-called pseudohypoparathyroidism. This disease is hereditary, occurs as a result of a specific gene mutation. The first symptoms of the disease may appear in a child between the ages of five and ten years.

Specificity clinical picture ailment:

  • short stature, shortened neck and fingers;
  • metatarsal bones are shortened;
  • subcutaneous ulcers;
  • the face is moon-shaped;
  • mental retardation.

The treatment for Albright's disease is calcium supplementation in combination with vitamin D. Medical therapy must be combined with a diet that involves limited quantity phosphorus.

Basic rules for the treatment of pathologies of the parathyroid gland

If any disease of the organ is suspected, the patient is prescribed scintigraphy. This technique makes it possible to identify early stages tumors of the parathyroid gland or its hyperplasia and, accordingly, prescribe the correct treatment for the disease.

Such a scan is carried out after the introduction of a specific radiopharmaceutical drug - the conclusions are made by the doctor after the pictures are compared with the maximum and minimum accumulation of the substance in the tissues of the organ.

In addition to scintigraphy, the patient undergoes clinical analysis blood to determine the amount of hormones, and also do an ultrasound of the neck. If there is suspicion of malignant neoplasm, the patient may need histology. Once the diagnosis is made, the patient is given appropriate treatment.

Main therapeutic methods:

  • hormonal treatment (drug method);
  • surgical treatment (removal of part of the parathyroid gland).

Treatment of a disease such as adenoma is carried out only surgically. The surgeon performs the removal of the formation, the tissues require additional histology.

Surgical removal of the entire organ or part of it can be carried out. Since the structure of the gland is such that it consists of four lobes, one of the remaining segments can take over the hormonal function of the remote one.

Unfortunately, after the removal of a part of the parathyroid gland has been implemented, the organ cannot cope on its own with the functions assigned to it, and the patient experiences such consequences as hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism. Other comorbidities may also develop.

Conclusion

So, the parathyroid glands are called endocrine organs, producing a specific substance - parathyroid hormone, the main function of which is the regulation of calcium - phosphorus metabolism in the human body.

Hormonal failure leads to dysfunction of the musculoskeletal, endocrine, excretory and cardiovascular systems.

Timely detection of pathologies of the parathyroid glands allows you to choose the right treatment (medication or surgery) and prevent the consequences that they can lead to.

The parathyroid glands are endocrine glands located on the posterior wall of the thyroid capsule. A more correct name is the term "parathyroid glands".

Location and number of parathyroid glands

The size of the parathyroid glands is about 4x5x5 mm. Normally, a person can have from 2 to 8 glands (a typical number is 4, two on each side - one at the upper pole of the thyroid lobe, the second at the lower pole). characteristic and very important feature parathyroid glands is the variability of their location and number. There are a significant number of possible locations for the glands - they can also be located in thymus, and next to the main neurovascular bundle of the neck, and behind the esophagus, on the anterior surface of the spine. The exceptional variability in location is an important feature that surgeons must take into account when performing operations.

Function of the parathyroid glands

The main function of the parathyroid glands is the production of parathyroid hormone - the main hormone that regulates the level of calcium in the human blood. Parathyroid hormone is a polypeptide (i.e., consisting of amino acids, in the amount of 84 amino acid residues) hormone. On the surface of the cells of the parathyroid gland there are receptors that are able to determine the concentration of calcium in the blood serum. With a decrease in calcium concentration, the parathyroid glands begin to produce increased amounts of parathyroid hormone, which has three main effects in the body. The first effect is a decrease in calcium excretion in the urine. The second effect is an increase in the hydroxylation of vitamin D in the kidneys and, as a result, an increase in the concentration active form vitamin D (calcitriol) in the blood, which increases the production of calmodulin in the intestinal wall, a transport protein that ensures the absorption of calcium into the blood. The third effect is the activation of bone-destroying cells, osteoclasts, with the destruction of bone tissue and the release of calcium contained in it into the blood. All three effects (decrease in calcium excretion, increased absorption of calcium, transfer of bone calcium into blood plasma) are aimed at increasing the concentration of calcium in the blood. Parathyroid hormone is the main substance that ensures the normal concentration of calcium in the blood. Its antagonist, calcitonin, produced by C-cells of the thyroid gland and some intestinal cells, is rather weak, so it does not take a significant part in the regulation of phosphorus-calcium metabolism.

Importance of the parathyroid glands

Such small organ, like the parathyroid gland, is extremely important for the human body. Removal of the parathyroid glands leads to a sharp decrease in the concentration ionized calcium in the blood, followed by the development of seizures, leading to death. In the 19th century French medical Academy even banned operations on the thyroid gland, since they all ended in the death of patients - the fact is that at that time the significance of the parathyroid glands had not yet been established, and surgeons always removed them during surgery, which ended fatally. Only after the discovery of these glands, the description of the features of their anatomical location and the clarification of their function, it became clear how important they are. Currently, one of the most important tasks of thyroid surgery is the obligatory preservation of the parathyroid glands and their blood supply - this task is one of the most difficult for an endocrinologist surgeon.

Both insufficient (hypoparathyroidism) and excessive parathyroid function (hyperparathyroidism) are harmful to the patient. In hyperparathyroidism, which most often develops as a result of the formation of a benign tumor of the parathyroid gland (adenoma), parathyroid hormone enters the blood uncontrollably, in large quantities. Due to an excess of parathyroid hormone, there is an increase in the work of osteoclasts in the bones, which leads to the destruction of bones with a decrease in their strength (osteoporosis). Due to the destruction of bone tissue and the entry of large amounts of calcium into the blood, a number of complications arise - fractures even with a slight load, the formation of kidney stones, calcification of blood vessels and heart valves, the formation of ulcers in the stomach and duodenum, etc. In severe cases, the level of calcium reaches such high values, which leads to a deterioration in intelligence up to the development of coma.

History of the discovery of the parathyroid glands

The parathyroid gland was first discovered during the autopsy of an Indian rhinoceros, which died in the London Zoo in 1850. The rhinoceros was anatomized by a young researcher, Richard Owen, who, after many months of research, managed to find a parathyroid gland weighing 8 g in the carcass of an animal. This was the first case of parathyroid disease. glands. Since then, the rhinoceros has been the symbol of parathyroid surgery. In humans, this organ was identified later, in 1880, by a student medical university Uppsala by Ivar Sandström. However, only in 1925 in Vienna, the surgeon Felix Meindl was able to successfully remove a parathyroid adenoma from a patient with bone lesions and thereby cure the patient.

Diseases of the parathyroid glands

Most frequent illnesses are:

Primary hyperparathyroidism (associated with the development of adenoma - a benign tumor that can be single or multiple);

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (develops with vitamin D deficiency - this form is treated by correcting the deficiency by taking appropriate drugs; another form secondary hyperparathyroidism develops in chronic renal failure and is treated conservatively or surgically);

Tertiary hyperparathyroidism (develops with long-term chronic renal failure and is corrected only surgically).

Operations on the parathyroid glands

Endocrinologists are involved in the treatment of diseases of the parathyroid glands, and operations on this organ are carried out by endocrinologists, and only those with sufficient experience in this field of surgery. Operations performed by surgeons who do not have sufficient experience in the field of surgery of the parathyroid glands, in a significant percentage of cases, lead to the preservation of the disease, as well as to a number of dangerous complications.

Currently Russian leader in the field of such operations is the North-West Endocrinology Center, whose specialists annually perform more than 300 interventions of this type. In the vast majority of cases, operations are performed with low-traumatic access using video technology, which allows to reduce the length of the skin suture to 1.5-2.5 cm, and the operation time to 10-20 minutes. Of course, such results are achieved only with the use of modern diagnostic principles and the same modern equipment.

Unfortunately, patients who are often referred to an endocrinologist for surgery are surgery not required at all. The most common mistake is the appointment of surgery for patients with vitamin D deficiency, which leads to an increase in the level of parathyroid hormone in the blood. In such cases, an experienced endocrinologist surgeon recommends that the patient start taking calcium or vitamin D supplements instead of surgery and thereby completely eliminate the existing problem.

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