Pre-operative parathyroid localisation: surgical review of sesta-methoxyisobutylisonitrile images is important

To highlight the importance of pre-operative review of sesta-methoxyisobutylisonitrile imaging before parathyroid surgery.

Technetium-99 m sesta-methoxyisobutylisonitrile scanning is a well established imaging modality undertaken to locate the parathyroid glands prior to parathyroidectomy. Because of the relative lack of detail in the images obtained, the radiological report is normally the most important piece of information used by the surgeon for surgical planning. We report a case that illustrates the importance of surgical image review prior to revision parathyroid surgery. We also present a review of literature highlighting the need for surgical review of such imaging.

We propose that surgeons routinely review sesta-methoxyisobutylisonitrile images pre-operatively.