Sestamibi scan-directed unilateral neck exploration for primary hyperparathyroidism due to a solitary adenoma

To evaluate the accuracy of Tc-99m sestamibi scintography in pre-operative localization of a single parathyroid adenoma and to determine if neck exploration can be limited to the side of the adenoma.

Over a period of 4 years, 30 patients with primary hyperparathyroid disease underwent surgical treatment in the form of unilateral neck exploration after localization by Tc-99m sestamibi scintigraphy. The scan findings were interpreted by one radiologist with a special interest in parathyroid imaging and the operative findings were correlated with scan findings.

Tc-99 sestamibi scan localized a single parathyroid adenoma in 29 patients. There was doubtful uptake of isotope in one patient. Unilateral cervical exploration confirmed isotope scan findings in 29 patients with a positive scan, and these were subsequently proven by histology. In the patient with doubtful sestamibi scan, bilateral neck exploration was undertaken and three enlarged glands were excised. All the three glands were reported to be abnormal, consistent with either adenomas or hyperplasia. All the patients were normocalcaemic after 6 months follow-up.

Our results demonstrate that Tc-99m sestamibi scintigraphy is highly accurate in pre-operative localization of a single parathyroid adenoma when performed by an experienced radiologist. Unilateral cervical exploration, as directed by a positive Tc-99m sestamibi scintigram, seems to be a logical approach for the patients with primary hyperparathyroid disease due to solitary adenoma.