Ultrasound facilitates minimally invasive parathyroidectomy in patients lacking definitive localization from preoperative sestamibi scan

Background Sestamibi scanning is commonly used for preoperative localization in patients with hyperparathyroidism. However, 12% to 15% of these studies are equivocal or negative. Ultrasound may also be used to identify patients suitable for a minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. Methods Data from patients treated for hyperparathyroidism between January 2000 and April 2006 were reviewed retrospectively. Sestamibi and ultrasound results were scored as definitive, suggestive, or negative. Patients with suggestive or negative sestamibi scans were included in the analysis. Results A total of 261 patients underwent operation without a definitively localizing sestamibi scan. Preoperative neck ultrasound was performed in 80 of these patients. Overall, ultrasound was either conclusive or suggestive in 45 of 80 patients (56%) without a definitively localizing sestamibi scan and correctly correlated with the surgical findings in 38 of 45 (84%) of these patients. Conclusion In patients with nonlocalizing sestamibi scans, neck ultrasound increases the number of patients suitable for minimally invasive parathyroidectomy.