THE IMPORTANCE OF TC-99M-MIBI-SCINTIGRAPH Y IN LOCALIZATION OF ABNORMAL PARATHYROID-GLANDS IN HYPERPARATHYROIDISM - A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY

We evaluated the sensitivity of praeoperative parathyroid imaging usin g Tc-99m-MIBI scintigraphy in planar as well as SPECT technique to det ect and localize abnormal parathyroid glands in 36 patients with hyper parathyroidism. Seven out of these patients had been previously operat ed in the thyroid area. With a sensitivity of 76 % (22/29) solid adeno mas could be localized correctly. Surgical success was estimated by th e weight of the adenomas, by histology and postoperative laboratory fi ndings. Compared to other imaging procedures Tc-99m-MIBI-scintigraphy seems to be most sensitive in detecting and localizing abnormal parath yroid glands, especially in previously operated patients. Praeoperativ e standard in nuclear medicine up to now is Tl-Tc-subtraction scintigr aphy, which is technically more difficult, sensitive to artefacts and exposes the patient to more radiation. Based on our experience we woul d therefore suggest to screen all previously operated patients with Tc -99m-MIBI scintigraphy on a routine basis.