Detection of a unilateral PTH gradient by radioimmunoassay of thyroid venous catheterization samples permitted correct localization of all 10 proved parathyroid adenomas studied. Bilateral gradients were demonstrated in 7 of 9 cases of hyperplasia. The inferior thyroid PTH patterns of these cases, 1 of mediastinal adenoma, and 4 of euparathyroidism are presented. Immunoassay data established that parathyroid drainage is unilateral and predominantly by way of the inferior thyroid vein. The results of comparison sampling of the large veins of the neck and thorax in 22 cases document the necessity of thyroid venous catheterization for parathyroid venous sampling.
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Shimkin et al. (1972) studied this question.
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