Importance: Successful minimally invasive parathyroidectomy requires confident and accurate preoperative localization. Several noninvasive imaging techniques are well established for preoperative localization, and others are emerging.
Observations: Ultrasonography and sestamibi imaging are established preoperative localization techniques with good sensitivity and positive predictive value. Multiphase 4-dimensional computed tomography is a newer technique with arguably superior performance, particularly in the setting of negative or discordant ultrasonography and sestamibi imaging, residual or recurrent primary hyperparathyroidism following a previous surgical operation, and multiglandular disease. Emerging techniques that may further facilitate confident and accurate preoperative localization include ultrasonography, elastography, positron emission tomography, and 4-D magnetic resonance imaging.
Conclusions and relevance: The optimal imaging localization algorithm for hyperparathyroidism remains undetermined, but a combination of techniques tailored to the specific scenario will likely yield the best outcomes. An algorithm is proposed that considers test performance, surgeon confidence, patient-specific factors, cost, local radiologic expertise, and patient radiation exposure.