Role of Single-Photon Emission Computerised Tomography Versus Ultrasonography or 4D-Computed Tomography in the Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism.

Journal: Cureus
Published:
Abstract

Introduction The aim of the current study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of three commonly used localization modalities for parathyroid adenomas, i.e., single-photon emission computerised tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT), ultrasound (USG) and 4D-computed tomography (4D-CT), especially when used in combination. Methods Medical records of patients diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism were reviewed from January 2015 to December 2020. Intra-operative findings were compared with preoperative localization studies (USG, SPECT/CT and 4D-CT) in order to determine sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of these studies. Results One hundred eighty-nine medical records were reviewed. SPECT/CT has a sensitivity of 60.51% and a diagnostic accuracy of 60.21%. USG had the lowest sensitivity of 49.36% with a diagnostic accuracy of 51.6%. 4D-CT had the highest sensitivity of 82.72%, a specificity of 56% and a diagnostic accuracy of 76.42%. When SPECT/CT was used in combination with USG the sensitivity was significantly higher (p=0.0001) at 69.54% and when SPECT/CT was used in combination with 4D-CT the sensitivity was significantly higher at 91.4% (p=0.0001). Conclusions SPECT/CT was more sensitive and accurate as compared to USG but when they were used together the sensitivity was significantly higher. Superior preoperative localization was provided by 4D-CT as compared to SPECT/CT.