Image normalization and background subtraction in T1-201/Tc-99m parathyroid subtraction scintigraphy. Effect on...

The authors have developed two computer algorithms for T1-201/Tc-99m parathyroid subtraction scintigraphy that was performed on patients who subsequently underwent surgical exploration of the neck. Both methods employed a region-of-interest drawn around the thyroid/parathyroid glands for image realignment. The first algorithm normalized the Tl-201 and Tc-99m images using the ratio of maximum counts over the thyroid in each image. The second computer algorithm incorporated Tl-201 image background correction and normalization by the average of the ratios of maximum counts computed over each quadrant in both images. In 10 patients with confirmed parathyroid adenomas or hyperplasia, the first method yielded a 44% sensitivity. Upon reanalysis with the second algorithm, the sensitivity improved to 100%. Subsequently, in a total of 22 patients with 30 abnormal glands analyzed with the second algorithm, a sensitivity of 80% (94% for adenoma and 62% for hyperplasia) was achieved, with a specificity of 91%, as confirmed by surgery.