Technetium-99m-sestamibi Imaging: Are the Results Dependent on the Reviewer?

Abstract

Introduction: Minimally–invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) is dependent on accurate preoperative parathyroid localization. We hypothesized that surgeon recognition of subtle differences in radiotracer accumulation would increase the sensitivity of technetium-99m-sestamibi imaging and result in more frequent use of MIP. Methods: Technetium-99m-sestamibi scans completed at our institution for patients who underwent resection of a solitary parathyroid adenoma were reviewed by a surgeon and a radiologist who were blinded to the identifying information of the patient, the prior interpretation of the scan and the results of operation.