Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Hyperparathyroidism is the third most common endocrinopathy. Minimally invasive surgery using a unilateral approach is now increasingly common. In such cases, preoperative localization of the lesion by imaging is essential. Among the techniques available, ultrasound and scintigraphy play a predominant role.

Objective: our aim is to evaluate the diagnostic contribution of ultrasound and parathyroid scintigraphy in localizing the pathological gland(s) in primary hyperparathyroidism.

Methods: This is a retrospective study including 84 patients treated for primary hyperthyroidism in our department over a period from 2015 to 2023.

Results: Ultrasound and parathyroid scintigraphy were performed in all cases. CT or MRI scans were performed in 5 cases. The sensitivity of ultrasound, scintigraphy and combined ultrasound-scintigraphy was 51%, 68% and 80% respectively. The specificity of ultrasound, scintigraphy and combined ultrasound-scintigraphy was 96%, 97% and 98% respectively. The sensitivity of these examinations was lower in the case of multi-glandular or ectopic involvement, or in the case of lesions < 2 cm.

Conclusion: Coupled use of cervical ultrasound and scintigraphy enables reliable preoperative location of pathological glands.