Accuracy of Four-Dimensional Computed Tomography and Different Imaging Modalities in Primary Hyperparathyroidism

BackgroundThis study aimed to compare the accuracy of different imaging modalities in the preoperative localization of parathyroid pathology in primary hyperparathyroidism. MethodologyThis prospective study enrolled 70 patients who were biochemically diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism between 2021 and 2022 at our center. Patients underwent scanning using three imaging modalities, namely, Tc99m sestamibi scan (sestamibi), parathyroid ultrasonography, and four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT). A descriptive analysis was performed to determine and compare the respective localizing sensitivities.ResultsThe most common site of parathyroid adenoma (PA) was the left inferior parathyroid gland, seen in 28 (40%) patients. Three patients had false-positive imaging studies with no parathyroid pathology identified surgically or on histological examination. The median levels of parathyroid hormone decreased significantly (p < 0.001) after the surgery, with a median of 24.3 (1.90-121). Furthermore, 4DCT accomplished a sensitivity of 97.14% for diagnosing the side and 94.03% for overall localization of PA. This sensitivity was superior to the sensitivity of ultrasonography and sestamibi scan to detect the side and quadrant of the adenoma. 4DCT was significantly higher in sensitivity when compared to the combination of ultrasound and sestamibi (p < 0.001).Conclusions4DCT yielded the highest sensitivity in localizing parathyroid pathology from the imaging modalities studied with the lowest false-negative rate. Using ultrasound with 4DCT could be the most cost-effective combination for detecting primary hyperparathyroidism.