Imaging of parathyroid glands

Preoperative imaging studies have an important role in facilitating successful localization of adenomas for surgeons. Their use has increased and parallels the recent growth of minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. Based on findings that scintigraphy is reported to have the highest accuracy for localization of adenomas when compared with anatomic imaging techniques, this article discusses the current role and limitations of imaging, with a focus on scintigraphy, in the evaluation of patients before surgery for hyperparathyroidism.