Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026
07:12
Establishment of a Simple and Effective Rat Model for Intraoperative Parathyroid Gland Imaging
Published on: August 17, 2022
18 F-FCH PET/CT Localizes Ectopic Parathyroid Adenoma
Gangjuan Sun1, Nachuan Cao, Qiaoqiao Shu
1Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
Clinical Nuclear Medicine
|July 7, 2026
Summary
18F-fluoromethylcholine PET/CT effectively located an ectopic parathyroid adenoma in a patient with hypercalcemia. This imaging approach offers an efficient and safe diagnostic and treatment pathway for primary hyperparathyroidism.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Hypercalcemia and suspected primary hyperparathyroidism require accurate localization of parathyroid tissue.
- Ectopic parathyroid adenomas can present diagnostic challenges, especially when initial imaging is unremarkable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of 18F-fluoromethylcholine (18F-FCH) PET/CT in localizing an ectopic parathyroid adenoma.
- To demonstrate an efficient and safe diagnostic and treatment pathway for patients with ectopic parathyroid adenomas.
Main Methods:
- A case study of an 18-year-old male presenting with hypercalcemia.
- Initial thyroid ultrasound followed by 18F-FCH PET/CT for localization.
- Minimally invasive excision guided by imaging findings.
Main Results:
- 18F-FCH PET/CT identified increased tracer uptake in the anterior superior mediastinum, indicative of an ectopic parathyroid adenoma.
- Postoperative pathology confirmed the diagnosis of ectopic parathyroid adenoma.
- The imaging accurately guided surgical intervention.
Conclusions:
- 18F-FCH PET/CT is a valuable tool for accurately locating ectopic parathyroid adenomas.
- This imaging modality facilitates an efficient and safe diagnostic and treatment pathway for patients with primary hyperparathyroidism due to ectopic adenomas.
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