Parathyroid radionuclide imaging: update

Parathyroid scintigraphy is a well established and effective imaging technique for preoperative detection and localization of parathyroid adenoma. This functional type of imaging has very high specificity for parathyroid adenoma identification with only a small number of reported false results. In clinical practice today, there are many different methodologies used in parathyroid scintigraphy. This article discusses the current role and limitations of scintigraphic imaging, with a focus on different imaging protocols in the evaluation of patients with hyperparathyroidism. In addition, the value of this imaging procedure in the different clinical settings and the role of radio-guided parathyroidectomy are reviewed in this article.