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Surgery is the preferred treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), but the presence of MIBI-avid thyroid nodules can complicate the localization of parathyroid adenoma (PA). In this case report, we discuss the role of imaging in localizing PA in a patient with concurrent thyroid nodules. A 49-year-old female presented with hypercalcemia and elevated parathyroid hormone levels. Technetium-99m-sestamibi single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) showed MIBI-avid enhancement in the left thyroid lobe. Neck ultrasonography revealed 3 thyroid nodules in the left lobe, categorized as Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) 4. Fine-needle aspiration cytology yielded indeterminate results, and iPTH washout concentration was not elevated. Parathyroid 4-dimensional computed tomography (4D CT) was performed, which revealed an extra thyroid lesion on the left side, favoring PA. Left thyroid lobectomy and parathyroidectomy were performed, and the pathology report confirmed PA and follicular thyroid carcinoma. In cases where MIBI-avid thyroid nodules mimic PA, a combination of imaging modalities including technetium-99m-sestamibi SPECT/CT, neck ultrasonography, and parathyroid 4D CT can aid in differentiating between intrathyroid PA and extrathyroidal locations. Accurate preoperative localization is crucial for successful surgical management of PHPT. These imaging techniques play a pivotal role in guiding surgical decisions and ensuring optimal patient outcomes.

Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) includes secondary (sHPT) and tertiary hyperparathyroidism (tHPT). Considering that the role of preoperative imaging in the clinical setting is controversial, in the present study we have retrospectively compared pre-surgical diagnostic performances of 18F-Fluorocholine (18F-FCH) PET/CT, cervical ultrasonography (US), parathyroid scintigraphy, and 4D-CT in a group of 30 patients with CKD and HPT (18/12 sHPT/tHPT), 21 CKD G5 including 18 in dialysis, and 9 kidney transplant recipients. All patients underwent 18F-FCH, and 22 had cervical US, 12 had parathyroid scintigraphy, and 11 had 4D-CT. Histopathology was the gold standard. Seventy-four parathyroids were removed: 65 hyperplasia, 6 adenomas, and 3 normal glands. In the whole population, in a per gland analysis, 18F-FCH PET/CT was significantly more sensitive and accurate (72%, 71%) than neck US (25%, 43%), parathyroid scintigraphy (35%, 47%), and 4D-CT (40%, 47%). The specificity of 18F-FCH PET/CT (69%) was lower than that of neck US (95%) and parathyroid scintigraphy (90%), without, however, achieving significance. 18F-FCH PET/CT was more accurate than all other diagnostic techniques when sHPT and tHPT patients were considered separately. 18F-FCH PET/CT sensitivity was significantly higher in tHPT (88%) than in sHPT (66%). Three ectopic hyperfunctioning glands (in three different patients) were all detected by 18F-FCH PET/CT, two by parathyroid scintigraphy, and none by cervical US and 4D-CT. Our study confirms that 18F-FCH PET/CT is an effective preoperative imaging option in patients with CKD and HPT. These findings may be of greater importance in patients with tHPT (who could benefit from minimally invasive parathyroidectomy) than in patients with sHPT, who often undergo bilateral cervicotomy. In these cases, preoperative 18F-FCH PET/CT may be helpful in locating ectopic glands and may guide the surgical choice for gland preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L'hyperparathyroïdie secondaire reste la principale complication du métabolisme minéral et osseux des patients insuffisants rénaux chroniques. En cas de résistance au traitement médical (vitamine D native et active, calcium et calcimimétiques), la parathyroïdectomie chirurgicale est indiquée. Le but de cette étude rétrospective est de montrer l'évolution de l'incidence et des résultats de la parathyroïdectomie chirurgicale dans notre centre entre 1980 et 2020, alors que les caractéristiques des patients, les stratégies diagnostiques et thérapeutiques ont changé. Nous avons collecté les données des patients dialysés ayant eu une première parathyroïdectomie chirurgicale entre 2000 et 2020 (période 2) dans le même service de chirurgie et les avons comparées à des données historiques de patients opérés entre 1980 et 1999 (période 1) dans un autre centre. Au cours de la période 1, 53 parathyroïdectomies chirurgicales ont été réalisées (2,78/an, de 0 à 5, 8,5/1000 patients-année) vs 56 parathyroïdectomies chirurgicales pendant la période 2 (2,8/an, 0 à 9, 8/1000 patients-année). Les patients des 2 périodes étaient comparables en dehors de l'ancienneté en dialyse, plus grande dans la période 1 (149 ± 170 vs 89 ± 94 mois ; p = 0,02). En comparaison avec la population des dialysés du centre de la même période, les patients ayant eu une parathyroïdectomie chirurgicale sont plus jeunes, plus anciens en dialyse, moins souvent diabétiques, mais plus souvent porteurs d'une glomérulopathie ou d'une polykystose. Réalisée systématiquement dans la période 2, l'échographie cervicale a identifié au moins une glande visible dans 78,6 % des cas, alors que la scintigraphie, faite seulement dans 66 % des cas, retrouvait au moins une glande dans 81 % des cas. L'évolution biologique à 12 mois montre une hormone parathyroïdienne > 300 pg/mL dans 30 % des patients dans la période 1 vs 5,3 % dans la période 2, signant l'échec ou la récidive précoce. Une hypoparathyroïdie était plus fréquente dans la période 2 (35,7 vs 18,8 %). Les complications chirurgicales étaient plus nombreuses dans la période 1. Malgré les progrès thérapeutiques et stratégiques, l'hyperparathyroïdie secondaire sévère reste toujours aussi fréquente. Elle est favorisée par des cibles d'hormone parathyroïdienne trop élevées, une prévention suboptimale avant la dialyse et la mauvaise tolérance des calcimimétiques. La parathyroïdectomie chirurgicale est efficace et sûre dans notre expérience, entre les mains d'une équipe spécialisée avec un bilan échographique et scintigraphique préopératoire. Secondary hyperparathyroidism remains the main complication of mineral and bone metabolism in patients with chronic kidney disease. In case of resistance to medical treatment (native and active vitamin D, calcium and calcimimetics), surgical parathyroidectomy is indicated. The aim of this retrospective study is to show the evolution of the incidence and results of surgical parathyroidectomy in our center between 1980 and 2020 as patient characteristics, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies have changed. We collected data from dialysis patients who had a first surgical parathyroidectomy between 2000 and 2020 (period 2) in the same surgical department and compared them with historical data between 1980 and 1999 (period 1) operated in one other center. In period 1, 53 surgical parathyroidectomy were performed (2.78/year, 0 to 5, 8.5/1000 patients-year) vs.56 surgical parathyroidectomy in period 2 (2.8/year, 0 to 9, 8/1000 patients-year). The patients of the 2 periods were comparable except for the higher dialysis vintage in period 1 (149 ± 170 vs.89 ± 94 months; P = 0.02). In comparison with dialysis patients not requiring surgical parathyroidectomy during the same period, patients who had surgical parathyroidectomy were younger, had higher dialysis vintage and lower diabetes prevalence, but more frequently carriers of glomerulopathy or polycystosis. Systematically performed in period 2, cervical ultrasound identified at least one visible gland in 78.6% of cases while the scintigraphy, performed only in 66% of cases, found at least one gland in 81% of cases. Twelve months after surgery, PTH > 300 pg/mL (marker of secondary hyperparathyroidism recurrence or surgery failure) was present in 30% of patients in period 1 vs. 5.3% in period 2. Hypoparathyroidism was also more frequently observed in period 2 (35.7 vs. 18.8%). Surgical complications were also higher in period 1. Despite therapeutic and strategic advances, severe secondary hyperparathyroidism is still as common as ever. It is favored by excessively high PTH targets, by suboptimal prevention before dialysis and poor tolerance of calcimimetics. The surgical parathyroidectomy is effective and safe in the hands of a specialized team with an ultrasound and scintigraphic preoperative assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare Technetium-99m (Tc-99m)-sestamibi dual-phase planar imaging method and delayed phase single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and to evaluate the accuracy of scintigraphy with histopathological results. Methods: Thirty-six patients with a prediagnosis of hyperparathyroidism, who had not been operated on the neck region before, and were not followed up for any other malignancy, and has confirmed histopathologic and biochemical diagnosis after parathyroidectomy, were retrospectively scanned and included in the study. The images of 36 patients who underwent dual-phase Tc-99m-sestamibi planar scintigraphy at the 20th and 120th minutes in the nuclear medicine clinic and delayed phase SPECT/CT imaging immediately after the 120th minute planar imaging were evaluated visually by two nuclear medicine specialists as positive or negative lesion. Dual-phase planar and SPECT/CT images were statistically compared in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy. Results: Thirty-six patients with 41 lesions were evaluated. Comparing dual-phase planar imaging and delayed phase SPECT/CT revealed, sensitivity 84.21%-94.74%, specificity 66.67%-66.67%. Positive predictive value 96.97%-97.30%, negative predictive value 25%-50.0%, accuracy 82.93%- 92.68% respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between planar imaging and SPECT/CT; SPECT/CT localized the lesion more accurately (p<0.05). Conclusion: SPECT/CT is superior to planar imaging in determining the anatomical details and localization of the lesion, especially in determining the depth of the lesions in the neck and whether it is ectopic. In patients with hyperparathyroidism, SPECT/CT should be used routinely to detect parathyroid pathologies because it has a lower rate of error and higher accuracy rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Accurate preoperative localisation of the parathyroid adenoma is essential to achieve a minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. The purpose of this study was to validate and improve our single-isotope dual-phase parathyroid imaging protocol utilising 99mTechnetium-Sestamibi ([99mTc]MIBI). There has been no accepted gold standard evidence-based protocol regarding timing of single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) acquisition in parathyroid imaging with resultant variation between centres. We sought to determine the optimum timing of SPECT/CT post administration of [99mTc]MIBI in the identification of parathyroid adenomas. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of early and late SPECT/CT and to establish whether SPECT/CT demonstrates increased sensitivity over planar imaging. Material and methods: A sample of 36 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism underwent planar and SPECT/CT acquisition 15 minutes (early) and two hours (late) post [99mTc]MIBI administration. Two radionuclide radiologists reviewed the images and Fisher's exact Chi-squared statistic was used to evaluate the diagnostic performances of early versus late SPECT/CT acquisition and SPECT/CT versus planar imaging. Results: Twenty-one likely parathyroid adenomas were identified with a statistically superior diagnosis rate in the late SPECT/CT acquisition compared with both early SPECT/CT and planar imaging (p < 0.05). All adenomas diagnosed on early SPECT/CT acquisition were also identified on late SPECT/CT images. Conclusions: Single late phase SPECT/CT is significantly superior to early SPECT/CT in the identification of parathyroid adenomas. Late SPECT/CT improves diagnostic accuracy over planar acquisition. Imaging protocols should be revised to include late SPECT/CT acquisition. Early SPECT/CT acquisition can be eliminated from scan protocols with associated implications regarding reduced scan time and increased patient throughput. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism (nPHPT) is defined by an inappropriately increased serum PTH with normal serum calcium. Information about the diagnostic yield of parathyroid SPECT/CT scan and ultrasonography in nHPPT is limited and not conclusive. Purpose: To evaluate the positivity rate of 99mTc‐Sestamibi SPECT/CT scan in nPHTP compared with classical hypercalcemic PHPT (cPHPT). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively studied 125 patients with 99mTc‐Sestamibi SPECT/CT scans. Subjects were divided into 2 groups: cPHPT (n = 93) and nPHPT (n = 32). Results: The detection rate of 99mTc‐Sestamibi SPECT/CT in cPHPT was 86,02% (80/93) and 59.37%, in nPHPT (19/32), p =.003. No significant differences were seen between the SPECT/CT scan and ultrasonography (p =.28) and the agreement was higher in cPHPT than in nPHPT, p =.03. Sensitivity of 99m Tc‐Sestamibi‐SPECT/CT was 98% on a per‐patient basis (PPV 96%) and 91% on a per‐lesion basis (PPV 88%). Glandular size was smaller in nPHPT (mean value 6.8 mm) and it was related only with PTH value. Conclusion: Localization rate of parathyroid hyperfunctioning tissue with 99mTc‐Sestamibi SPECT/CT is lower in nPHPT and it is related to a smaller glandular size. However, our study suggests that the positivity rate and sensitivity are nonnegligible by adding SPECT/CT. The reduction in the detection rate in nPHPT could benefit techniques with higher resolution such as 18F‐Choline PET/CT when the clinical context justifies it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: It is important to detect parathyroid adenomas by parathyroid scintigraphy with 99m-technetium sestamibi (99mTc-MIBI) before surgery. This study aimed to develop and validate deep learning (DL)-based models to detect parathyroid adenoma in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, from parathyroid scintigrams with 99mTc-MIBI.Methods: DL-based models for detecting parathyroid adenoma in early- and late-phase parathyroid scintigrams were, respectively, developed and evaluated. The training dataset used to train the models was collected from 192 patients (165 adenoma cases, mean age: 64 years ± 13, 145 women) and the validation dataset used to tune the models was collected from 45 patients (30 adenoma cases, mean age: 67 years ± 12, 37 women). The images were collected from patients who were pathologically diagnosed with parathyroid adenomas or in whom no lesions could be detected by either parathyroid scintigraphy or ultrasonography at our institution from June 2010 to March 2019. The models were tested on a dataset collected from 44 patients (30 adenoma cases, mean age: 67 years ± 12, 38 women) who took scintigraphy from April 2019 to March 2020. The models' lesion-based sensitivity and mean false positive indications per image (mFPI) were assessed with the test dataset.Results: The sensitivity was 82% [95% confidence interval 72-92%] with mFPI of 0.44 for the scintigrams of the early-phase model and 83% [73-92%] with mFPI of 0.31 for the scintigrams of the delayed-phase model in the test dataset, respectively.Conclusions: The DL-based models were able to detect parathyroid adenomas with a high sensitivity using parathyroid scintigraphy with 99m-technetium sestamibi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the occurrence of thyroid and parathyroid diseases is common, concomitant parathyroid adenoma and papillary thyroid carcinoma is rare. We report the case of a 77-year-old Thai woman who was diagnosed to have papillary thyroid carcinoma and postoperative hypercalcemia. The primary hyperparathyroidism was initially overlooked but was subsequently confirmed to be due to a single occult parathyroid adenoma demonstrated on technetium99m sestamibi (Tc-99m MIBI) parathyroid scintigraphy. Thus, preoperative evaluation of parathyroid disease should be performed if there is evidence of hypercalcemia prior to the thyroid surgery. Presurgical evaluation with Tc-99m MIBI parathyroid single-photon computed tomography/computerized tomography imaging has a definite role in localizing a hyperfunctioning parathyroid gland in the cases of primary hyperparathyroidism.

Introduction: Nuclear medicine parathyroid imaging is important in the identification of hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands in primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT), but it may be also valuable before surgical treatment in secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT). Parathyroid radionuclide imaging with scintigraphy or positron emission tomography (PET) is a highly sensitive procedure for the assessment of the presence and number of hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands, located either at typical sites or ectopically. The treatment of pHPT is mostly directed toward minimally invasive parathyroidectomy, especially in cases with a single adenoma. In experienced hands, successful surgery depends mainly on the exact preoperative localization of one or more hyperfunctioning parathyroid adenomas. Failure to preoperatively identify the hyperfunctioning parathyroid gland challenges minimally invasive parathyroidectomy and might require bilateral open neck exploration. Methods: Over a decade has now passed since the European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM) issued the first edition of the guideline on parathyroid imaging, and a number of new insights and techniques have been developed since. The aim of the present document is to provide state-of-the-art guidelines for nuclear medicine physicians performing parathyroid scintigraphy, single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT), positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), and positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) in patients with pHPT, as well as in those with sHPT. Conclusion: These guidelines are written and authorized by the EANM to promote optimal parathyroid imaging. They will assist nuclear medicine physicians in the detection and correct localization of hyperfunctioning parathyroid lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To determine whether combined ultrasonography and parathyroid scintigraphy improves hyperplastic parathyroid gland detection in the pediatric population for parathyroidectomy planning in patients with secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism. Materials and methods. An observational and analytical retrospective cohort study was carried out. Patients diagnosed with secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism from 2011 to 2018 undergoing total or subtotal parathyroidectomy were included - provided there was information available on pathological examination and surgical protocol. Results. N = 15 patients. A total of 53 parathyroid glands diagnosed with hyperplasia using either of the imaging methods were analyzed. For each method (ultrasonography and scintigraphy) and the combination of both, sensitivity and area under the curve were calculated, using pathological examination result as a reference. Ultrasonography and scintigraphy diagnostic match was 66%. Discussion and conclusions. The intraoperative difficulty of parathyroid gland identification as well as the anatomical variation that these present is well-known. Ultrasonography detected more glands than scintigraphy when diagnosing parathyroid hyperplasia. The combination of both methods allows patients with a first negative study to be detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modifications of the biodistribution of 99mTc-sestamibi seen during myocardial perfusion and parathyroid imaging may be secondary to benign or malignant processes in visualized anatomic structures not related to the target organs of these imaging procedures. This article presents a case of pancreatic adenocarcinoma indirectly depicted on parathyroid scintigraphy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Primary hyperparathyroidism revealed by a pathological fracture is very uncommon; in the majority of cases the discovery of lytic bone lesions on imaging examinations evokes in the clinician first a neoplastic etiology and a metabolic origin is often omitted. This case report adds to the existing literature as it describes an unusual presentation of primary hyperparathyroidism. Case presentation We report a case of a 50-year-old Moroccan man, without any known tumor, who presented a fracture of his left clavicle with multiple osteolytic lesions on computed tomography suggesting bone metastases. However, bone scintigraphy oriented the diagnosis to a metabolic pathology by showing a metabolic bone “super scan” with increased tracer uptake in the left clavicle; parathyroid scintigraphy was able to localize pathological right parathyroid tissue. Conclusions Whenever multiple osteolytic lesions are found in a patient without any known tumor, metabolic bone diseases including hyperparathyroidism should be highly considered.

Background: The imaging techniques most commonly used in the diagnosis of hyperparathyroidisms are ultrasound and scintigraphy. The diagnostic algorithms vary, depending mainly on the population, and experience of physicians. Aim: Aim of the present research was to determine the usefulness of parathyroid scintigraphy and ultrasonography in patients diagnosed for hyperparathyroidism in own material. Material and method: In the present research, 96 operated patients with documented primary, secondary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent a 99mTc hexakis- 2-methoxyisobutylisonitrile scintigraphy of the neck with the use of subtraction and twophase examinations. Ultrasonography of the neck was performed in all the patients in B mode 2D presentation. A total number of 172 parathyroid glands were analyzed. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of scintigraphy was 68% and 60%, respectively. The sensitivity of ultrasound was 49% and specificity 85%. Both techniques allowed visualization of 76 parathyroid glands. Ultrasound revealed 19 glands that were not visible in scintigraphy. Scintigraphy showed 76 parathyroid glands that were not visualized on ultrasound. Having combined the results of scintigraphy and ultrasound, the sensitivity of 76% and specificity of 50% were obtained. Considering the ability to locate the parathyroid glands in both techniques as a positive result, the sensitivity decreased to 37% and specificity rose to 95%. Conclusions: Scintigraphy showed greater sensitivity than ultrasound in the localization of enlarged parathyroid glands. Ultrasound, in turn, was characterized by a higher specificity. The combined use of scintigraphy and ultrasonography allowed to obtain the specificity of 95%. In the light of obtained results, scintigraphy and ultrasonography are complementary and should be used together.

Abdominal wall calcification in a peritoneal dialysis patient has not previously been reported. We describe a 40-year-old lady, a type 2 diabetic and hypertensive for the past 14 years, who did not have any history, clinical features or laboratory results suggesting autoimmune disease, and had not suffered from tuberculosis in the past, but who had been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in 2016. She had initiated peritoneal dialysis in December 2018., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Contex: Detection of parathyroid incidentalomas (PTIs) by ultrasonography (US) generally depends on clinical experience and it can be usually confused with perithyroidal lymph nodes., Objective: We aimed to evaluate the role of US for the detection of PTIs and define clinicopathologic features of PTIs detected during routine neck US., Design: In this retrospective study, we studied PTIs in a multidisciplinary clinical approach of nuclear medicine and general surgery clinics., Subjects and Methods: US indications and reports of 41275 were reviewed retrospectively. Of these patients, PTI was suspected in 66 (0.16%) patients. Those with a pathology-confirmed diagnosis after surgery formed Group PCD and those without a pathology-confirmed diagnosis and operation Group NPCD. These groups were compared statistically according to demographic data, laboratory tests, imaging results and postoperative findings., Results: The diagnosis of PTI was confirmed pathologically in 31 operated patients. Other pathologies rather than PTI on US were multinodular goiter, thyroiditis, thyroid nodule and perithyroidal lymph node. PTH and calcium levels were significantly higher in PCD Group;anti-TPO and anti-TG levels were significantly higher in NPCD Group., Conclusions: Lesions suspected of PTI on US should be followed-up with further evaluation by laboratory tests and imaging methods and a multidisciplinary working environment should be established., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (©2024 Acta Endocrinologica (Buc).)

Brown tumor is unifocal or multifocal bone disease which represents terminal stage of hyperparathyroidism (HPT)-dependent bone pathology. It is recognized as a component of metabolic bone disease called osteitis fibrosa cystica generalisata or Von Recklinghausen disease of bone. HPT was first described by Von Recklinghausen in 1891. Brown tumor diagnosis nowadays is less frequently encountered because of early stage detection of HPT. This early detection is possible due to routine blood screening in asymptomatic adults or during evaluation of osteoporosis. Histologically, it may resemble any other giant cell lesion of the jaw that imposes diagnostic challenge and delay in treatment. We are introducing a case report of a 30-year-old female patient presented with multifocal osteolytic lesions in mandible with histopathology depictive of giant cell granuloma. Further biochemical investigations and X-ray skeletal changes raised the suspicion of primary HPT which was confirmed by parathyroid scintigraphy revealing parathyroid adenoma. The main purpose of this case report is to reinforce the role of oral examination in diagnosis of systemic diseases and to propose a diagnostic layout/algorithm when giant cells are present in biopsy specimen. Review of literature showing brown tumor of oral cavity associated with PHPT is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In clinical practice, physicians often encounter patients with persistent elevated serum parathyroid hormone levels and normal serum calcium levels, a state known as normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism (NHPT). The investigation of NHPT cases can lead to unnecessary use of parathyroid scintigraphy (PS) and consequently unnecessary health-care costs. In this clinical review, the most common causes of NHPT and the possible indications for PS performance in such cases are mainly presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Submarine method for localization of parathyroid tumors (PT) has proved to be effective in case of typical pitfalls of conventional scintigraphic methods (combined subtraction and double phase methods). It uses images obtained by standard dynamic parathyroid sestamibi scintigraphy suggested by European Association of Nuclear Medicine. This paper presents: 1) the developed Matlab interface that enables the implementation and evaluation of algorithms for the automatic application of Submarine method; 2) the algorithm for automatic extraction of the entire thyroid region from the background radioactivity using operations from mathematical morphology applied on dynamic scintigrams; 3) the results obtained by algorithm for localization and visualization of PTs based on estimation of exponential decreasing trend of time-activity curves. The algorithm was tested on a group of 20 patients with histopathologically proven PTs using developed Matlab interface.

BACKGROUND: Mechanisms that are responsible for positive 99mTc-MIBI uptake in parathyroid glands are not clearly understood, some authors suggest there is a correlation between 99mTc MIBI accumulation and oxyphil cell content or parathyroid gland volume. The aim of our work was to assess the relationship between the pathological structure of parathyroids, their volume, oxyphil cell content and parathyroid 99mTc-MIBI retention. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 62 hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands in 46 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy was performed according to the double-phase and subtraction protocol. After surgery all glands were evaluated histologically, oxyphil cell content was assessed and volume of each excised gland was calculated. RESULTS: Scintigraphy was positive in 41 of 62 parathyroid glands (66%). The median volume of positive glands was larger than that of negative glands (1.33 ml vs 0.7 ml, p = 0.015). Of the parathyroid lesions, there were 14 (22.6%) cases of nodular hyperplasia, 23 (37.1%) cases of diffuse hyperplasia, and 25 (40.3%) cases of adenomas. A high (≥ 25%) oxyphil cell content was found in 16 glands (25.8%) and a low (< 25%) oxyphil cell content in 46 (74.2%) glands. Histopathology of parathyroid glands was related to the scintigraphy result (p = 0.002), but not to the 99mTc-MIBI uptake pattern (p = 0.868). The overall result of scintigraphy was not related to the oxyphil cell content (p = 0.797). 99mTc-MIBI uptake pattern wasn't related to the oxyphil cell content (p = 0.833). In general, parathyroid lesions with low oxyphil cell content were larger than parathyroid glands with high oxyphil cell content (1.33 ml vs 0.5 ml, respectively; p = 0.01). The median volume of parathyroids containing a high number of oxyphil cells and having a prolonged 99mTc-MIBI retention was larger than those without prolonged 99mTc-MIBI retention (1.62 ml vs 0.3 ml, respectively; p = 0.008). The median volume of parathyroids with low oxyphil cells content and showing prolonged 99mTc-MIBI retention was larger than those without prolonged 99mTc-MIBI retention (1.95 ml vs 1.07 ml, respectively; p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that a positive scintigraphy result depends on parathyroid histopathology and gland volume and does not depend on the presence of oxyphil cells. Prolonged 99mTc-retention is not related to the parathyroid gland histopathology and the presence of oxyphil cells but to the gland volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resumen Objetivo La gammagrafía paratiroidea (GP) puede ser negativa o equívoca (N/E) en un número considerable de casos con alta sospecha clínica y bioquímica de adenoma de paratiroides (AP). Los objetivos de este estudio fueron investigar el papel complementario de la determinación de paratohormona en punción con aguja fina (PTH en PAAF) con la GP en pacientes con hiperparatiroidismo primario (HPTP) y evaluar los aspectos histopatológicos de los AP en comparación con los resultados de GP. Material y métodos Fueron incluidos en el estudio 38 pacientes con HPTP remitidos para realizar GP. Diecisiete pacientes tuvieron resultados gammagráficos y ecográficos concordantes con AP (grupo A). Veintiún pacientes con GP N/E pero sospecha de AP en la ecografía formaron el grupo B. Se realizó PTH en PAAF en todos los pacientes y todos fueron operados. Se extirpó un adenoma en cada uno de ellos y en todos los casos se establecieron las características histopatológicas. Resultados El tamaño del tumor en la ecografía fue mayor en aquellos pacientes cuyos adenomas se vieron en la GP (p < 0,001). Los porcentajes de células principales, oxífilas y claras en AP no fueron estadísticamente diferentes entre los grupos. El nivel de paratohormona sérica y PTH en PAAF no fueron estadísticamente significativos entre los grupos A y B (p = 0,095 y p = 0,04, respectivamente). Conclusión Aunque no existe un valor umbral definitivo, la sensibilidad de la GP aumenta con el tamaño de la lesión. Mientras que el contenido de células principales y oxífilas tiende a reducirse en los AP con GP N/E EP, la tasa de células claras aumenta sustancialmente. La combinación de GP con la ecografía y la PTH en PAAF aumenta la sensibilidad de detección y localización de los AP. Objective Parathyroid scintigraphy (PS) can be negative or equivocal (N/E) in a considerable number of cases with highly suspicious clinical findings and biochemical results for parathyroid adenoma (PA). The aims of this study were to investigate the complementary role of parathormone washout test (PWT) to PS in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and evaluate histopathologic aspects of PAs in comparison with PS results. Material and methods Thirty-eight patients with PHPT referred for PS were included in the study. Seventeen patients had both scintigraphic and ultrasonographic findings concordant with PA (Group A). Twenty-one patients having N/E PS, but suspected lesions for PA on ultrasonography (US) formed Group B. PWT was performed for all patients and they underwent the surgical intervention. An adenoma was removed in all patients and the histopathologic cell characteristics were established. Results The tumor size on US was larger in those patients whose adenomas were seen on the PS ( P < .001). The percentages of chief (or principal), oxyphilic and clear cells in PAs were not statistically different between the groups. Serum parathormone level and PWT were not statistically significant between Group A and Group B ( P = .095 and P = .04, respectively). Conclusion Although there is not a definitive threshold value, the sensitivity of PS increases with lesion size. While chief cell and oxyphilic cell content of PAs tend to deplete in N/E PS, clear cell rate increases substantially. Combining PS with both US and PWT increases the sensitivity of detection and localization of PAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: en-block resection; hypercalcemia; hyperparathyroidism; neck-ultrasound; parathyroid carcinoma; parathyroid scintigraphy; parathyroidectomy EN en-block resection hypercalcemia hyperparathyroidism neck-ultrasound parathyroid carcinoma parathyroid scintigraphy parathyroidectomy 273 274 2 01/03/23 20230201 NES 230201 We read with very interest the recent paper of Cunha[1] and colleagues (4 February 2022. doi: 10.1111/cen.14684. En-block resection, hypercalcemia, hyperparathyroidism, neck-ultrasound, parathyroid carcinoma, parathyroid scintigraphy, parathyroidectomy All patients underwent parathyroidectomy (en block resection, I n i = 9; parathyroidectomy alone, I n i = 8) followed by adjuvant radiotherapy in three of them. [Extracted from the article]

BACKGROUND: Several parathyroid scintigraphy protocols have been used for preoperative localization of hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands in patients with hyperparathyroidism. The aim of this study is to compare the diagnostic accuracy of various parathyroid scintigraphy protocols. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective diagnostic accuracy study with histopathology as the reference standard was done. Five imaging protocols were investigated including planar dual tracer Tc-99m pertechnetate/Tc-99m sestamibi (DT), planar dual phase Tc-99m sestamibi (DP), and combined dual tracer dual phase (DTDP) protocols, as well as add-on single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT). RESULTS: A total of 63 patients underwent parathyroid scintigraphy and subsequent parathyroid surgery with a total of 106 excised lesions with histopathological diagnosis. On a lesion-based analysis, sensitivity and specificity (with 95% confidence interval) of protocols were as follows. DT protocol: 69.4% (53.1–82.0%) and 80.0% (49.0–94.3%); DP protocol: 78.6% (52.4–92.4%) and 33.3% (9.7–70.0%); DTDP protocol: 64.7% (47.9–78.5%) and 50.0% (18.8–81.2%); SPECT: 92.3% (66.7–98.6%) and 75.0% (30.1–95.4%); SPECT/CT: 80.0% (49.0–94.3%) and 75.0% (30.1–95.4%). All protocols had perfect sensitivity for detection of parathyroid adenoma whereas SPECT was the most sensitive method for detection of hyperplastic parathyroid glands. CONCLUSION: Planar parathyroid scintigraphy using the DT protocol has a trend towards being more accurate than DP and DTDP protocols. Additional imaging with SPECT and SPECT/CT had a trend towards being more accurate than planar imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Primary hyperparathyroidism revealed by a pathological fracture is very uncommon; in the majority of cases the discovery of lytic bone lesions on imaging examinations evokes in the clinician first a neoplastic etiology and a metabolic origin is often omitted. This case report adds to the existing literature as it describes an unusual presentation of primary hyperparathyroidism.Case Presentation: We report a case of a 50-year-old Moroccan man, without any known tumor, who presented a fracture of his left clavicle with multiple osteolytic lesions on computed tomography suggesting bone metastases. However, bone scintigraphy oriented the diagnosis to a metabolic pathology by showing a metabolic bone "super scan" with increased tracer uptake in the left clavicle; parathyroid scintigraphy was able to localize pathological right parathyroid tissue.Conclusions: Whenever multiple osteolytic lesions are found in a patient without any known tumor, metabolic bone diseases including hyperparathyroidism should be highly considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message The concomitant appearance of a sublingual thyroid and primary hyperparathyroidism due to parathyroid mediastinal adenoma is not common. This co-occurrence can lead to a misdiagnosis by morphological imaging methods alone. This case emphasizes the role of 99mTc- MIBI scintigraphy in the detection of parathyroid ectopic adenoma in a patient with an ectopic thyroid gland. This more accurate location of parathyroid scintigraphy is of great benefit to the surgeon for surgical excision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to demonstrate the role of SPECT/CT in preoperative localization of parathyroid lesions in patients with hyperparathyroidism who had technetium-99m (Tc-99m) methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) dual-phase parathyroid scintigraphy. We evaluated retrospectively the scintigraphic data of 103 patients who had parathyroidectomy after Tc-99m MIBI dual-phase parathyroid scintigraphy with SPECT/CT. The planar and SPECT/CT images were evaluated separately to determine their efficacy in localizing parathyroid lesions. These results were then compared with surgical data. There were 84 female and 19 male patients whose mean age was 54 ± 12 years. A total of 115 parathyroid lesions in 103 patients were resected during operations. In 87 patients, with both planar and SPECT/CT images, a total of 100 lesions could be detected correctly. In 11 patients, only SPECT/CT images could show 13 subcentimetric lesions. In three patients, three lesions were evaluated as parathyroid lesions both with planar and SPECT/CT images, but according to histopathologic evaluation, they came out to be nonparathyroidal lesions. In two patients, two parathyroid lesions could not be detected preoperatively neither with planar nor with SPECT/CT images. The lesion-based sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 87 %, 99 %, 97.1 %, 95.3 %, and 95.8 % for planar images and 98.3 %, 99 %, 97.4 %, 99.4 %, and 98.8 % for SPECT/CT images, respectively. Tc-99m MIBI parathyroid scintigraphy should be a diagnostic modality of choice in preoperative evaluation of patients with hyperparathyroidism. SPECT/CT has an incremental value both in demonstrating subcentimetric lesions and in accurately localizing lesions anatomically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare malignancy, which usually occurs as a sporadic disease, and less frequently in the setting of genetic syndromes. Despite the association of parathyroid and thyroid disorders being quite common, the coexistence of parathyroid carcinoma and thyroid disease is rare. We reviewed the pertinent literature. The terms 'parathyroid carcinoma' and 'thyroid disease, hyperthyroidism, thyrotoxicosis, hypothyroidism, thyroid nodule(s), Graves' disease, autonomously functioning thyroid nodules' were used both separately and in reciprocal conjunction to search MEDLINE for articles published from January 2007 to March 2016. The search was prompted by the observation of a never reported association of autonomously functioning thyroid nodules and parathyroid carcinoma. Two hundred and twenty-one parathyroid carcinoma patients have been described during the last 10 years. Neck ultrasonography and parathyroid scintigraphy are the most common instrumental studies used in detecting parathyroid lesions. Serum parathyroid hormone and calcium levels are high in the majority of parathyroid carcinoma patients. Only 21 patients with parathyroid carcinoma and thyroid disorders were found. Our patient is the first casual association between parathyroid carcinoma and autonomously functioning thyroid nodules reported in literature and diagnosed using parathyroid and thyroid scintigraphies. Parathyroid carcinoma is a very rare endocrine tumor and association with thyroid disease is not frequent. Parathyroid carcinoma pre-operative diagnosis is often difficult also because available literature data are not homogenous and there is not a common operative guideline. Our case confirms the role of parathyroid scintigraphy, encouraging the association with thyroid scintigraphy, especially in the presence of (multi)-nodular goiter in order to address the most appropriate surgical management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parathyroid scintigraphy is an imaging technique that uses gamma-emitting radionuclide to locate hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands in patients with hyperparathyroidism. It is valuable for preoperative assessment before parathyroidectomy, which is a curative surgery in most cases of primary hyperparathyroidism and some cases of secondary hyperparathyroidism. There are several different techniques for parathyroid scintigraphy. In general, the scintigraphy is performed with Tc-99m MIBI, a mitochondria-targeting radiotracer. Some techniques also supply the Tc-99m MIBI scintigraphy with thyroid scintigraphy to differentiate between thyroid and parathyroid tissue. Parathyroid scintigraphy can detect primary hyperparathyroidism with a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 84%. It can also detect secondary hyperparathyroidism with a sensitivity of 58% and a specificity of 93%. The unique advantage of parathyroid scintigraphy is the ability to identify supernumerary and ectopic parathyroid abnormalities, which can significantly affect surgical planning and outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective Accurate identification of parathyroid adenoma (PA) is essential for minimally invasive treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of parathyroid hormone (PTH) assay in aspirates of suspicious neck lesions and to clarify its reliability in determining whether the lesion is of parathyroid origin. Methods A total of 134 lesions (104 imaging-suspected PA and 30 concomitant thyroid nodules as a control group) of 101 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with positive, negative, or never scintigraphy were included in our study. Ultrasound (US) was performed again and US-guided tissue fine needle aspiration with PTH washout (PTH-WO) was performed from suspicious lesions. A PTH-WO level higher than the patient's serum PTH levels is proposed for a positive test, and a PTH-WO level lower than the upper limit of the laboratory PTH level is proposed for a negative test. A definitive diagnosis was made postoperatively histopathologically. Results PTH-WO levels (median (IQR)) were significantly higher in the positive group (n = 93, 5000 (1600) ng/L) compared to the negative group (n = 11, 17 (13.1) ng/L) and thyroid nodule aspirate group (n = 30, 14 (4.3) ng/L) (p < 0.001). Among 93 PTH-WO-positive lesions, 42 lesions (45.1%) were not identified by parathyroid scintigraphy (PS), 20 (21.5%) lesions were suspiciously PS, and 33 lesions (35.4%) were negative or suspicious by first US findings. Of the 93 patients localized with PTH-WO, two were cystic PAs ablated by aspiration. The final pathology result of 91 operated patients proved PA. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of the PTH-WO were observed as 1.00, 0.82, 0.09, and 0.91, respectively. Conclusion Comprehensive repeated US and PTH-WO from the lesion increase the accurate localization of PAs. PTH-WO is a highly reliable method for differentiating parathyroid lesions from other cervical lesions., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Güneş et al.)

Background: The imaging techniques most commonly used in the diagnosis of hyperparathyroidisms are ultrasound and scintigraphy. The diagnostic algorithms vary, depending mainly on the population, and experience of physicians. Aim: Aim of the present research was to determine the usefulness of parathyroid scintigraphy and ultrasonography in patients diagnosed for hyperparathyroidism in own material. Material and method: In the present research, 96 operated patients with documented primary, secondary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent a 99mTc hexakis- 2-methoxyisobutylisonitrile scintigraphy of the neck with the use of subtraction and twophase examinations. Ultrasonography of the neck was performed in all the patients in B mode 2D presentation. A total number of 172 parathyroid glands were analyzed. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of scintigraphy was 68% and 60%, respectively. The sensitivity of ultrasound was 49% and specificity 85%. Both techniques allowed visualization of 76 parathyroid glands. Ultrasound revealed 19 glands that were not visible in scintigraphy. Scintigraphy showed 76 parathyroid glands that were not visualized on ultrasound. Having combined the results of scintigraphy and ultrasound, the sensitivity of 76% and specificity of 50% were obtained. Considering the ability to locate the parathyroid glands in both techniques as a positive result, the sensitivity decreased to 37% and specificity rose to 95%. Conclusions: Scintigraphy showed greater sensitivity than ultrasound in the localization of enlarged parathyroid glands. Ultrasound, in turn, was characterized by a higher specificity. The combined use of scintigraphy and ultrasonography allowed to obtain the specificity of 95%. In the light of obtained results, scintigraphy and ultrasonography are complementary and should be used together. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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There is no controversy in the published literature that sensitivity and specificity of parathyroid scintigraphy is superior to other imaging techniques. However no uniform protocol has been established for scintigraphy. In order to analyze parathyroid scintigraphic images in the Department of Nuclear Medicine at the Medical University of Warsaw we have developed a program that allows qualitative and quantitative evaluation of recorded images and motion artifacts correction. This program offers a uniform procedure of analysis of parathyroid imaging results in diagnostic centers, accelerates the analysis of parathyroid tests performed with use of single radioactive tracer, that require the acquisition of consecutive images of the patient, without altering his body position between successive stages of registration. This program allows for automation of previously time consuming procedures and thus saves time and decreases a risk of operator's errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]