Abstract
Introduction: Primary hyperparathyroidism is the third most common endocrine disorder, about 85% of cases are due to parathyroid adenomas. The definitive treatment is parathyroidectomy, being the most frequent cause of failure the inadequate resection and the location of ectopic tissue. The ectopic parathyroid adenomas represent a challenge for the surgeon. In this paper a case of a patient diagnosed with giant mediastinal parathyroid adenoma is presented, and is the largest reported in the literature in the last 10 years. Clinical case: 70-year-old male patient presented with seizures, polydipsia and polyuria, reason for which he consults. Elevated PTH levels, hypercalcemia, and hypophosphatemia are determined. Imaging studies report an elongated lesion located in the right paratracheal space that extends to the lower pole of the right thyroid lobe. Surgical resolution was decided, by performing cervicotomy and thoracoscopy with satisfactory recovery of the patient. Conclusion: Ectopic parathyroid adenomas are a common cause of surgical failure and persistent hyperparathyroidism; their suspicion is of great importance. The definitive treatment is surgery. Preoperative localization through imaging tests is essential to correctly select the surgical technique and guarantee the success of the surgery, the cervical and thoracoscopic approach is a safe and effective alternative.

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