Publication
Benefit ofF-fluorocholine PET imaging in parathyroid surgery
Journal Paper/Review - Jan 25, 2018
Huber Gerhard, Hüllner M, Schmid C, Brunner A, Sah B, Vetter D, Kaufmann P A, von Schulthess G K
Units
PubMed
Doi
Citation
Type
Journal
Publication Date
Issn Electronic
Brief description/objective
OBJECTIVES
To assess the additional diagnostic value ofF-fluorocholine PET imaging in preoperative localization of pathologic parathyroid glands in clinically manifest hyperparathyroidism in case of negative or conflicting ultrasound and scintigraphy results.
METHODS
A retrospective, single-institution study of 26 patients diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism. In cases where ultrasound and scintigraphy failed to detect the location of an adenoma in order to allow a focused surgical approach, an additionalF-fluorocholine PET scan was performed and its results were compared with the intraoperative findings.
RESULTS
A total of 26 patients underwentF-fluorocholine PET/CT (n = 11) or PET/MRI (n = 15). Adenomas were detected in 25 patients (96.2%). All patients underwent surgery, and the location predicted by PET hybrid imaging was confirmed intraoperatively by frozen section and adequate parathyroid hormone drop after removal. None of the patients needed revision surgery during follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
These results demonstrate thatF-fluorocholine PET imaging is a highly accurate method to detect parathyroid adenomas even in case of previous localization failure by other imaging examinations.
KEY POINTS
• WithF-fluorocholine PET imaging, parathyroid adenomas could be detected in 96.2%. •F-fluorocholine imaging is a highly accurate method to detect parathyroid adenomas. • We encourage its use, where ultrasound fails to detect an adenoma.