1.Redefining Definitive Therapy: Percutaneous Ethanol Ablation for Primary Hyperparathyroidism in a Nonsurgical Candidate
Thunissha Manoharan ; Yueh Chien Kuan ; Pei Lin Chan ; Whilmore Johin ; Dhayal Balakrishnan
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):69-70
Introduction:
Parathyroidectomy is the definitive treatment for primary
hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) due to parathyroid adenoma.
However, surgery may be contraindicated in patients with
significant comorbidities. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous
ethanol ablation (PEA) is a minimally invasive alternative
that induces biochemical remission through targeted
destruction of hyperfunctioning tissue. We report a case of
PHPT successfully managed with PEA in a patient unfit for
surgery due to cardiac dysfunction.
Case:
In 2023, a 53-year-old female with stage IB breast carcinoma was found to have persistent hypercalcemia (2.68–
3.59 mmol/L) during chemotherapy and post-mastectomy
follow-up. Evaluation excluded bone metastases. Biochemical assessment demonstrated elevated intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels 38.6 pmol/L (Reference:
1.6–6.0 pmol/L), hypophosphatemia (0.42–0.80 mmol/L),
and elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) 215–309 U/L
(30–120 U/L)—consistent with PHPT. Tc-99 m sestamibi
scintigraphy localized a 1.1 × 1.5 × 1.2 cm hyperfunctioning
parathyroid adenoma.
Initial management prioritized oncological therapy,
including trastuzumab for 1 year. Hypercalcemia was
intermittently controlled with intravenous hydration and
zoledronic acid when calcium exceeded 3 mmol/L.
Her disease was complicated with severe osteoporosis
(DEXA T-score −3.3) with vertebral fractures, renal impairment requiring cessation of alendronate, and medullary
nephrocalcinosis on computed tomography surveillance. Following completion of cancer therapy, she was evaluated
for parathyroidectomy. Preoperative assessment revealed
NYHA class II heart failure, with reduced ejection fraction
(36%) and severe tricuspid regurgitation attributed to
trastuzumab-related cardiomyopathy. Despite optimal
medical therapy, she was deemed high-risk for surgery.
Cinacalcet failed to achieve sustained calcium control with
levels exceeding 3 mmol/L. She was therefore referred
for PEA.
Post-procedure, iPTH decreased 80% by Day 5 (54.9–10.6
pmol/L), with sustained normocalcemia (2.25 mmol/L) at
10 days without further need for cinacalcet.
Conclusion
This case illustrates that PEA can serve as definitive therapy
for PHPT in patients unsuitable for surgery. It provides
rapid and sustained biochemical control, while avoiding
operative risk, supporting its role in individualized
management.
Hyperparathyroidism, Primary
;
Ethanol
2.Endovascular Treatment of Cavernous Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Fistula via Radial Artery and Median Cubital Vein
Wen Nian TAN ; Arvin RAJADURAI ; Dhayal BALAKRISHNAN
Neurointervention 2021;16(2):194-198
Cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (CS-DAVF) is an arteriovenous shunt where there is fistulous blood flow from the dural arteries from the internal or external carotid artery into the cavernous sinus. The current mainstay of therapy is endovascular treatment. We present a case of restrictive type of CS-DAVF in a 75-year-old male who presented with right eye symptoms. He was treated with embolisation using trans-radial artery access for angiographic runs and a median cubital vein access navigating into the cavernous sinus for coil deployment. This technique completely avoids the conventional technique of a femoral approach and confines all access to the arm. Therefore, there are less risks and complications associated with an arm access, improves patients’ comfort and mobility post procedure. Transradial artery and cubital vein access allows for a safe and convenient alternative technique using the arm as compared with conventional transfemoral approach for treatment of CS-DAVF.
3.Endovascular Treatment of Cavernous Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Fistula via Radial Artery and Median Cubital Vein
Wen Nian TAN ; Arvin RAJADURAI ; Dhayal BALAKRISHNAN
Neurointervention 2021;16(2):194-198
Cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (CS-DAVF) is an arteriovenous shunt where there is fistulous blood flow from the dural arteries from the internal or external carotid artery into the cavernous sinus. The current mainstay of therapy is endovascular treatment. We present a case of restrictive type of CS-DAVF in a 75-year-old male who presented with right eye symptoms. He was treated with embolisation using trans-radial artery access for angiographic runs and a median cubital vein access navigating into the cavernous sinus for coil deployment. This technique completely avoids the conventional technique of a femoral approach and confines all access to the arm. Therefore, there are less risks and complications associated with an arm access, improves patients’ comfort and mobility post procedure. Transradial artery and cubital vein access allows for a safe and convenient alternative technique using the arm as compared with conventional transfemoral approach for treatment of CS-DAVF.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail