The value of oblique pinhole images in pre-operative localisation with 99mTc-MIBI for primary hyperparathyroidism

Eur J Nucl Med. 2001 Jun;28(6):736-42.

Abstract

Technetium-99m labelled 2-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) has been extensively utilised for preoperative localisation of parathyroid adenomas. Imaging techniques have varied widely, with many centres not performing routine oblique images; thus this study aimed to examine the value of routine oblique pinhole imaging. Ninety-two patients underwent pre-operative 99mTc-MIBI imaging including early and delayed anterior oblique pinhole images in addition to standard anterior pinhole images and a thyroid study prior to surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism. These studies were reviewed blindly comparing anterior and oblique images and anterior images only in relation to surgical findings. Of the 92 patients, 83 were found to have 86 parathyroid adenomas or parathyroid adenoma/hyperplasia at surgery. When compared to anterior images only, oblique views improved overall sensitivity from 76% to 88% (P<0.05), correctly localised 11 more adenomas than anterior images alone (13%) and improved the confidence of interpretation in 17 patients (20%). In conclusion, routine oblique pinhole views result in greater sensitivity and reporter confidence in pre-operative parathyroid localisation with 99mTc-MIBI.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Adenoma / surgery
  • Humans
  • Hyperparathyroidism / diagnostic imaging*
  • Hyperparathyroidism / surgery*
  • Hyperplasia / diagnostic imaging
  • Hyperplasia / surgery
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Parathyroid Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Parathyroid Neoplasms / surgery
  • Parathyroidectomy
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Radiopharmaceuticals*
  • Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi*

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi