Parathyroid Imaging

Primary hyperparathyroidism is a common endocrine disorder caused by the overproduction of parathyroid hormone either by a single adenomatous gland or by multiple adenomatous or hyperplastic glands. Surgical resection of the abnormal parathyroid glands is the standard treatment, the goal of initial parathyroidectomy being durable biochemical cure. Surgeons have recently shifted to more minimally invasive and selective techniques for parathyroid exploration. More selective surgical approaches rely on accurate preoperative imaging techniques to localize abnormal parathyroid glands. It is imperative that radiologists are familiar with imaging features of parathyroid glands as well as the role of imaging in patient care.