Value of 123I/99mTc-sestamibi parathyroid scintigraphy with subtraction SPECT/CT in primary hyperparathyroidism for directing minimally invasive parathyroidectomy

Am J Surg. 2019 Jan;217(1):108-113. doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2018.06.027. Epub 2018 Jun 30.

Abstract

Background: Primary hyperparathyroidism/(PHPT) is one of the most common endocrinological conditions. Surgery remains the only curative option. We have evaluated the performance of double isotope 123I/99mTc-sestamibi parathyroid scintigraphy/(PS) with subtraction SPECT/CT in PHP for identifying uniglandular disease.

Methods: Ninety PHPT patients undergoing parathyroidectomy (December 2015-August 2016) were included. All patients were evaluated with neck ultrasound/(US), PS and SPECT/CT with a new protocol. Outcomes from imaging modalities were reported as: uniglandular disease/(UGD), multiglandular disease/(MGD), or negative, and were compared to post-operative diagnoses.

Results: Post-operatively, 72 and 18 patients had true UGD and MGD, respectively. Sensitivities and specificities of US, pinhole scintigraphy with subtraction, pinhole and SPECT/CT with subtraction, and all modalities combined were 91.7%/38.9%, 88.9%/72.2%, 93%/66.7% and 84.72%/77.78%, respectively: specificity of US + PS superior to US alone, p = 0.074. SPECT/CT enables reclassification of doubtful uptake foci.

Conclusions: Combination of neck US and PS with subtraction SPECT/CT offers a higher specificity for guiding towards minimally invasive parathyroidectomy.

Keywords: Hyperparathyroidism; Mini-invasive surgery; Radionuclide imaging.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperparathyroidism, Primary / diagnostic imaging*
  • Hyperparathyroidism, Primary / surgery*
  • Iodine Radioisotopes
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures
  • Parathyroidectomy*
  • Patient Selection
  • Radionuclide Imaging*
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography Computed Tomography*
  • Subtraction Technique*
  • Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Iodine Radioisotopes
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Iodine-123
  • Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi