Scintigraphic techniques in pre-operative localization of parathyroid adenoma

Solitary parathyroid adenoma is the most common cause of primary hyperparathyroidism. It can be removed surgically with a 92-96% success rate without any pre-operative imaging procedures. However, imaging procedures may be of help in localization, thereby reducing operative morbidity, and in the detection of ectopic adenomas. The decision to undertake surgical exploration should not be based on these procedures because of their low sensitivity and limited specificity when used alone, but rather on an established biochemical diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism.