Recurrent Hyperparathyroidism from an Autotransplanted Parathyroid Adenoma

AUTOTRANSPLANTATION of human parathyroid tissue into the forearm prevents hypoparathyroidism after total removal of parathyroid tissue from the neck.¹² This procedure has been principally applied at the time of first operation in patients with hyperparathyroidism secondary to chronic renal failure. Since the secondarily hyperplastic cells presumably retain normal functional capacity, a small autograft can restore approximately normal mineral homeostasis.^{1 2 3 4} This procedure could be applied to all forms of parathyroid hyperplasia,¹ although concern has been expressed about the possible risk of recurrent or persistent disease.⁵ This report illustrates one possible long-term complication of autotransplantation using tissue with abnormal cellular function. We.