Noninvasive parathyroid imaging in primary hyperparathyroidism

Several studies suggested that preoperative localization of abnormal parathyroid (PT) glands may be useful in reducing operative time facilitating parathyroidectomy, especially in patients with ectopic PT glands. At present, noninvasive techniques used to evaluate patients with primary HPT include (1) 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy, (2) high-resolution neck ultrasonography, (3) CT scanning, and (4) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The sensitivity and positive predictive value of each technique range from 70% to 90%, and a combination of two of more tests may significantly improve the results. In the minimally-invasive era both radioguided and video-assisted parathyroidectomy require an accurate preoperative localization of the abnormal PT glands, and PT imaging should be obtained before surgery in all patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, with the aim of reducing operative time and hospital stay.