Early-phase technetium-99m sestamibi scintigraphy can improve preoperative localization in primary hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND

In hyperparathyroidism, dual-phase technetium-99m sestamibi scintigraphy is important for parathyroid adenoma localization. We hypothesized that reviewing early-phase scans can increase localization in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT).

METHODS

We reviewed our prospectively maintained database for patients with sestamibi scans before parathyroidectomy for PHPT from 2001 to 2011. Early-phase scans were read and compared with the location of the gland(s) removed at operation.

RESULTS

Of 902 patients identified, radiologists read 693 scans as positive. Of 209 negative scans, 141 (67%) were positive in the early phase; 135 (96%) correctly identified the side of the adenoma. Using radiologist reads, 35% of patients with negative scans and 41% of patients with falsely localized glands required bilateral exploration compared with 5% of patients with correctly localized glands.

CONCLUSIONS

A review of early scans in patients with negative imaging increases accurate adenoma localization and allows for minimally invasive operations in more patients.