Is intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring necessary for primary hyperparathyroidism with concordant preoperative imaging?

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine if intraoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) monitoring is necessary in patients with concordant ultrasound and sestamibi imaging.

METHODS

Clinical factors, intraoperative findings and outcome were correlated with imaging results in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who underwent parathyroidectomy with concordant ultrasound and sestamibi imaging.

RESULTS

There were 127 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and concordant imaging who underwent parathyroidectomy. Seven patients (5.5%) had intraoperative findings that were discordant with imaging: 2 (1.6%) had an adenoma at a different location, 2 (1.6%) had double adenomas and 3 (2.4%) had asymmetric hyperplasia. Gland weight and preoperative PTH levels were greater for patients with concordant operative and imaging findings (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Six percent of patients with concordant ultrasound and sestamibi imaging had unexpected intraoperative findings. Intraoperative PTH monitoring remains a necessary adjunct even with concordant imaging to ensure identification of abnormal parathyroid glands and cure of hyperparathyroidism.