Failure of ablation of a mediastinal parathyroid adenoma by repeated contrast staining.

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Abstract
In a patient with primary hyperparathyroidism an attempt was made to ablate a middle mediastinal parathyroid gland by forceful staining with radiographic contrast material [Renografin]. The gland was stained on 2 separate occasions, 2 wk apart. Both times the serum Ca level temporarily fell to the normal range but reverted to abnormal levels. The patient ultimately required surgery for correction of hypercalcemia. The mechanism of staining possible reasons for failure and potential complications are discussed.