Localization of abnormal parathyroid glands of the mediastinum with MR imaging

PURPOSE: To determine the sensitivity of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for preoperative localization of abnormal parathyroid glands in the mediastinum and to compare the sensitivity of MR imaging with those of scintigraphy and ultrasonography (US). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prospective sensitivity of MR imaging was compared with those of thallium-technetium scintigraphy and US in 25 patients in whom the abnormal gland was located in the mediastinum at surgery. RESULTS: MR imaging had a much higher sensitivity (22 of 25 cases 88%]) than did scintigraphy (11 of 19 cases 58%]) or US (three of 24 cases 12%]). The most common locations for the mediastinal gland were intrathymic (eight of 25 cases) and paraesophageal (six of 25 cases) sites. CONCLUSION: MR imaging should be considered the modality of choice for preoperative localization in this group of patients.