A Retrospective Cohort Study of the Utility of Ultrasound, 99mTc-Sestamibi Scintigraphy, and Four-Dimensional Computed Tomography for Pre-Operative Localization of Parathyroid Disease To Facilitate Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy

Background This study investigated the utility of ultrasound (US), 99mTc-Sestamibi scintigraphy (Sestamibi), and four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) for pre-operative localization of a single abnormal parathyroid gland prior to minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) to determine the optimum pre-operative scans to facilitate a MIP. Methods Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who underwent curative parathyroidectomy at Broomfield Hospital, Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust between 2009 and 2018 were included. Diagnostic performance parameters and the agreement between US, Sestamibi, and 4DCT were evaluated. Cohen’s κ was used to assess the strength of agreement between imaging modalities. Results At localizing pathology to the correct side of the neck, Sestamibi had the highest sensitivity (87%), followed by US (76%) and 4DCT (64%). 4DCT had a positive predictive value (PPV) of 95%, similar to Sestamibi (96%), but higher than US (92%). Amongst patients who underwent both US and Sestamibi, the abnormal parathyroid gland was localized to the same area by both imaging modalities in 77% of patients (Cohen’s κ: 0.383). Following an inconclusive US or Sestamibi scan, or discordance between the two modalities, 4DCT was correct at localization in 63% of patients. Conclusion Sestamibi has the highest sensitivity and PPV for accurately localizing parathyroid pathology. The addition of US to a positive Sestamibi scan adds little additional value. 4DCT is the preferred imaging modality following an inconclusive Sestamibi or US.