Objective:

To investigate the diagnostic value of ultrasonography combined with serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) measurement in assessing the viability of autologous parathyroid grafts following endoscopic radical thyroidectomy for thyroid carcinoma.

Approach:

• Study Design: A retrospective analysis of clinical data from 38 patients who underwent endoscopic unilateral radical thyroidectomy with autologous parathyroid transplantation.
• Surgical Method: Parathyroid tissue was transplanted into the brachioradialis muscle using the homogenate injection method during surgery.
• Assessment Methods: Postoperative PTH concentration ratios and ultrasonographic images of the graft site were evaluated to assess graft viability.

Key Findings:

• PTH concentration on the transplantation side increased significantly post-surgery, peaking at 3 months with a 28.89-fold elevation compared to systemic circulation.
• Ultrasonography at 3 months showed hypoechoic nodules at the graft site with blood flow signals detected by color Doppler flow imaging.

Interpretation:

The combination of ultrasonography and serum PTH concentration ratio provides evidence for parathyroid graft viability following autologous transplantation.

Limitations:

• The study is limited to a retrospective analysis with a small sample size of 38 patients.
• Findings may not be generalizable beyond the specific surgical technique and patient population studied.

Conclusion:

The study establishes a diagnostic approach for assessing graft viability using ultrasonography and serum PTH measurements.