Parathyroid scintigraphy with iodine-123 and 99mTc-sestamibi: imaging findings

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1993 Dec;161(6):1265-8. doi: 10.2214/ajr.161.6.8249740.

Abstract

Subtraction scintigraphy with 99mTc-pertechnetate and 201Tl-chloride is widely used for localizing the parathyroid gland, but the sensitivity of this method averages only 55%. The sensitivity of scintigraphy is improved by using a combination of 99mTc-sestamibi and iodine-123. Parathyroid adenomas can also be localized with 99mTc-sestamibi alone by subtracting early images from late sequential images. The fast washout of 99mTc-sestamibi from the thyroid gland allows visualization of the parathyroid gland. The purpose of this essay is to illustrate the findings of abnormalities of the parathyroid glands when using a combination of 99mTc-sestamibi and iodine-123.

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Iodine Radioisotopes
  • Parathyroid Glands / diagnostic imaging*
  • Parathyroid Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi

Substances

  • Iodine Radioisotopes
  • Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi