Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma Revealed by Parathyroid Scintigraphy: An Incidental Case to Remember

Abstract

A 70-y-old woman was referred for a dual-isotope subtraction scintigraphy with ¹²³I and ^99mTc-sestamibi in combination with SPECT/CT and ultrasound for the localization of parathyroid adenoma. Aside from a possible parathyroid adenoma, the SPECT/CT scan showed increased and focal ^99mTc-sestamibi uptake in the right upper lung. A biopsy revealed a primary non–small cell lung adenocarcinoma. Nonparathyroid findings during parathyroid scintigraphy are frequent and can lead to newly diagnosed malignant or premalignant lesions, providing an important opportunity to optimize treatment.