Thoracoscopic resection of an ectopic mediastinal parathyroid adenoma in an octogenarian with recurrent hyperparathyroidism

Primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) is usually caused by hyper functioning parathyroid adenoma, whereas recurrent HPT caused by ectopic posterior mediastinal lesions is extremely rare. Herein, we present a case of an octogenarian with recurrent HPT after previous parathyroidectomy caused by a posterior mediastinal parathyroid adenoma. The ectopic parathyroid adenoma was successfully resected via thoracoscopic surgery and the patient completely recovered from HPT after operation. Our case demonstrated that surgical resection was effective for the treatment of recurrent HPT caused by ectopic mediastinal lesions and thoracoscopic approach was an optimal way for patients with compromised physical status.