Imaging of the neck and mediastinum with radiopharmaceuticals has proven to be a reliable technique for localization of the parathyroid glands and their related tumors.

Principle:

The increased use of automated blood chemistry screens which include a serum calcium measurement, and the availability of methods for the assay of parathyroid hormone (PTH), have resulted in the increased clinical diagnosis of parathyroid disease.  Primary hyperparathyroidism is characterized by excessive secretion of PTH (increased serum PTH levels) in the presence of hypercalcemia.  Primary hyperparathyroidism is most commonly due to an adenoma of one of the parathyroid glands.  Much less often, primary hyperparathyroidism is due to parathyroid hyperplasia or cancer.  The location of the parathyroid glands and tumors are somewhat variable.  While most are in the vicinity of the thyroid gland, they may be found anywhere from the level of the jaw to the diaphragm.  Because of this variability in position, as well as the small size of these glands, localization of parathyroid tumor prior to surgical exploration has been found to be quite useful.

Required scheduling information:

• Patient name, DOB, current weight and home phone.

• Diagnosis/reason for study.

• Current serum Ca and PTH levels within the last 30 days.

• Current list of patient's medications.

• The patient must be off of any thyroid medications for 4-6 weeks prior to imaging.

• Has the patient had any imaging procedure using iodine contrast within the last 6 weeks (CT w/contrast, IVP, etc).  There must be 6 weeks between these procedures and parathyroid imaging.

Nuclear Medicine
Sacred Heart Medical Center
1255 Hilyard St., Eugene
(541) 686-7010

Please call 686-7010 to schedule your patient's exam.

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