Intraoperative identification of parathyroid glands: appraisal of methylene blue staining. 1982

M H Wheeler, and J S Wade

Methylene blue administered intravenously in a dose of 5 mg/kg of body weight was employed as an aid to the intraoperative identification of parathyroid glands in 90 patients undergoing surgery for hyperparathyroidism. Staining occurred in 95 percent of adenomas and 86 percent of hyperplastic glands. Normal and suppressed glands stained in 71 and 70 percent of cases, respectively. There were no adverse side effects from the technique. We conclude that preoperative intravenous infusion of methylene blue is a valuable technique that facilitates identification of parathyroid tissue at operation.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D006961 Hyperparathyroidism A condition of abnormally elevated output of PARATHYROID HORMONE (or PTH) triggering responses that increase blood CALCIUM. It is characterized by HYPERCALCEMIA and BONE RESORPTION, eventually leading to bone diseases. PRIMARY HYPERPARATHYROIDISM is caused by parathyroid HYPERPLASIA or PARATHYROID NEOPLASMS. SECONDARY HYPERPARATHYROIDISM is increased PTH secretion in response to HYPOCALCEMIA, usually caused by chronic KIDNEY DISEASES.
D007432 Intraoperative Period The period during a surgical operation. Intraoperative Periods,Period, Intraoperative,Periods, Intraoperative
D008751 Methylene Blue A compound consisting of dark green crystals or crystalline powder, having a bronze-like luster. Solutions in water or alcohol have a deep blue color. Methylene blue is used as a bacteriologic stain and as an indicator. It inhibits GUANYLATE CYCLASE, and has been used to treat cyanide poisoning and to lower levels of METHEMOGLOBIN. Methylthionine Chloride,Swiss Blue,Basic Blue 9,Chromosmon,Methylene Blue N,Methylthioninium Chloride,Urolene Blue,Blue 9, Basic,Blue N, Methylene,Blue, Methylene,Blue, Swiss,Blue, Urolene
D010280 Parathyroid Glands Two pairs of small oval-shaped glands located in the front and the base of the NECK and adjacent to the two lobes of THYROID GLAND. They secrete PARATHYROID HORMONE that regulates the balance of CALCIUM; PHOSPHORUS; and MAGNESIUM in the body. Gland, Parathyroid,Glands, Parathyroid,Parathyroid Gland
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D013194 Staining and Labeling The marking of biological material with a dye or other reagent for the purpose of identifying and quantitating components of tissues, cells or their extracts. Histological Labeling,Staining,Histological Labelings,Labeling and Staining,Labeling, Histological,Labelings, Histological,Stainings

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