PARATHYROID SCAN

INDICATIONS:

Detect and localize hyperfunctioning parathyroid adenomas.

PATIENT PREPARATION:

None.

RADIOPHARMACEUTICAL:

Tc-99m-sestamibi (MIBI). Dose of 25 mCi is administered by standard intravenous injection.

SCANNING TIME:

Imaging is first performed within 2 minutes of injection. Delayed images are performed 2 to 3 hours after injection. Patient is placed in a supine position with head and neck extended and immobilized. Imaging field: Neck and upper mediastinum.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

Prior medications and contrast media are important considerations. Consultation with Nuclear Medicine physicians is strongly encouraged.

RATIONALE:

MIBI is a metabolic marker which is taken up and slowly released by highly active tissues. Cells with a high mitochrondial count have the slowest washout. Cells in hyperfunctioning parathyroid adenomas demonstrate slow washout and will demonstrate increased activity on delayed images.