Comparison of 18F-Choline PET/CT and 99mTc-Sestamibi SPECT/CT in the Localization of Hyperactive Parathyroid Glands in Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Diagnostic Performance in Discordant Cases

Abstract

Introduction: Accurate localization of hyperactive parathyroid glands is essential in managing primary hyperparathyroidism. Despite advances in imaging, discordant findings still complicate surgical planning. Tc-99m-sestaMIBI SPECT/CT (MIBI SPECT/CT) and F-18-Choline PET/CT (FCH PET/CT) are commonly used, particularly when localization is discordant. Objective: This study compared the findings of FCH PET/CT and MIBI SPECT/CT with intraoperative outcomes in patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism. In discordant cases, the relative diagnostic performance and postoperative outcomes of the two modalities were analyzed. Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed 133 patients who underwent parathyroidectomy between January 2020 and December 2024 and had both MIBI SPECT/CT and FCH PET/CT. Patients were classified according to concordance between imaging and surgical localization: Group 1 (both modalities concordant), Group 2 (MIBI concordant only), Group 3 (FCH concordant only), and Group 4 (both discordant). Diagnostic performance (sensitivity and PPV) and biochemical cure-defined as normalization of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcium at 6 and 12 months-were compared between Groups 2 and 3. Results: Of 133 patients, 82 (61.7%) were in Group 1, 5 (3.8%) in Group 2, 37 (27.8%) in Group 3, and 9 (6.8%) in Group 4. Sensitivity and PPV were 74.4% and 86.1% for MIBI, and 97.5% and 91.5% for FCH PET/CT, respectively. The biochemical cure rate was 80.0% vs 94.6% at 6 months and 50.0% vs 87.5% at 12 months for Groups 2 and 3, with calcium levels remaining within the normal range. Preoperative PTH levels and chief-cell proportions were higher in Group 3 (91.9%) than in Group 1 (82.6%). Discussion: FCH PET/CT demonstrated better diagnostic performance and higher cure rates than MIBI SPECT/CT in discordant cases. Although differences were not statistically significant, they may be influenced by preoperative parathyroid activity and histologic composition. Conclusion: FCH PET/CT showed a trend toward improved diagnostic performance and postoperative cure compared with MIBI SPECT/CT in discordant cases. While not superior in all situations, it can complement MIBI SPECT/CT and enhance surgical decision-making in complex clinical settings.