[Usefulness of preoperative location tests in primary hyperparathyroidism]

The utility of preoperative parathyroid location in primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) remains controversial. In this retrospective study are analysed noninvasive techniques prior to surgical neck exploration of 11 patients with pHPT, ten adenomas and one hyperplastic parathyroid glands. Localization test were performed 24 times. Ultrasonography allowed correct localization of 5 of 7 cases, computer tomography 2 of 6, scintigraphy 2 of 4 and nuclear magnetic resonance 1 of 7. This exploration was doubtful in a patient, and two false-positive nuclear magnetic resonance were found. The low yield of these tests makes them unnecessary in the evaluation of patients undergoing surgery for pHPT, because the cost is not justified.