Objective
To assess the accuracy of preoperative imaging studies in primary hyperparathyroidism.
Design
Retrospective review of all patients treated surgically for primary hyperparathyroidism at The University of California–San Diego Medical Center between January 1990 and May 1992. Results of preoperative imaging studies were compared with surgical and pathologic findings.
Setting
The University of California–San Diego Medical Center, a primary care and referral center.
Participants
Twenty-eight patients were included in the study, and a total of 41 imaging studies were obtained.
Outcome Measures
The accuracy of preoperative imaging studies in correctly localizing the site of a parathyroid adenoma.
Results
Ultrasound correctly identified the site of a solitary parathyroid adenoma in 82% of cases, and magnetic resonance imaging in 80% of cases. The adenomas that were not localized by ultrasound were correctly localized by magnetic resonance imaging. These findings are discussed within the context of recent trends in parathyroid surgery.
Conclusions
Based on the results and a review of the literature, a simple algorithm for the use of these imaging studies is proposed. Use of this algorithm will improve preoperative planning, and potentially reduce operative time and morbidity.
(Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1994;120:1187-1189)
