[Interest of MIBI scintigraphy in the preoperative investigation of primary hyperthyroidism]

The purpose of this study is to show the place of MIBI scintigraphy in the preoperative investigation of primary hyperthyroidism, and then to demonstrate the extent to which this test allows us to formulate new surgical strategies, thus reducing the need for neck exploration in favour of minimally invasive techniques.

We have carried out a retrospective study related to 118 cases of primary hyperthyroidism. A MIBI scintigraphy has been applied on all the patients, so that we have been able to compare its results with the surgical and histological findings.

Our study shows a great accuracy of MIBI scintigraphy, with respect to the localization of parathyroid adenoma, which represents the major cause of primary hyperparathyroidism. Furthermore, these results prove the reliability of the new surgical strategies: unilateral neck exploration and minimally invasive surgery, when facing a single scintigraphic site.

As of now, MIBI scintigraphy must be part of preoperative investigation in cases of primary hyperparathyroidism, so that by limitating the surgical neck exploration, it allows us to decrease operative time and the risks, length and cost of the hospital stay.