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Sestamibi parathyroid imaging
M McBiles1, A T Lambert, M G Cote
1Department of Radiology, Fitzsimons Army Medical Center, Aurora, CO 80045-5001, USA.
Seminars in Nuclear Medicine
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Technetium-99m (99mTc) sestamibi imaging is the preferred scintigraphic method for parathyroid localization, outperforming other noninvasive techniques. While effective for adenomas, its accuracy for hyperplastic glands and routine preoperative use remains debated.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Medicine
- Radiopharmacology
- Endocrine Surgery Imaging
Background:
- Technetium-99m (99mTc) sestamibi has been a key parathyroid imaging agent since 1989.
- Its utility for localizing parathyroid adenomas is well-established, though less so for hyperplastic glands.
- Comparative studies show sestamibi protocols are superior to or equal to other noninvasive imaging methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of sestamibi-based parathyroid imaging protocols.
- To compare sestamibi imaging with other noninvasive imaging strategies and older scintigraphic techniques.
- To assess the role of sestamibi imaging in primary and reoperative hyperparathyroidism.
Main Methods:
- Review of imaging protocols utilizing 99mTc sestamibi for parathyroid localization.
- Comparison of sestamibi subtraction imaging (with 123I or 99mTc pertechnetate) and dual-phase sestamibi imaging.
- Analysis of pooled data on sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value compared to thallium-201 subtraction imaging.
Main Results:
- Sestamibi subtraction imaging demonstrated higher sensitivity (87%) than thallium-201 subtraction imaging (71%).
- Dual-phase sestamibi imaging sensitivity varied (43%-91%), with a pooled sensitivity of 73%, generally outperforming thallium-201 techniques.
- Both sestamibi techniques exhibit high specificity and positive predictive values, typically exceeding 90%.
Conclusions:
- 99mTc sestamibi protocols are the scintigraphic procedure of choice for parathyroid imaging due to superior characteristics.
- Dual-phase sestamibi imaging is robust, suitable for SPECT, and can be combined with subtraction techniques if needed.
- While excellent for reoperative hyperparathyroidism, its routine use before initial surgery is still debated compared to surgical expertise.