Role of 18F-Fluorocholine Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/Computed Tomography (CT) in Diagnosis of Elusive Parathyroid Adenoma

• Published in: Cureus 2023, Vol.15 (11), p.e48892-e48892
• Main Authors: Badier, Janan R, Suthar, Pokhraj P, Singh, Jagadeesh S, Jhaveri, Miral D
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.48892

Accurate localization of parathyroid adenomas is paramount in hypercalcemia and elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. This narrative of a 56-year-old female diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism underscores the intricacies faced when conventional imaging falls short. Despite a series of diagnostic and surgical endeavors, including an initial nuclear sestamibi scan and diverse imaging examinations like ultrasound, 4D CT, and MRI, it was the 18F-Fluorocholine positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) scan that illuminated the presence of the elusive adenoma in the left para esophageal superior mediastinum. The surgical outcome reinforced the diagnosis, marking the resolution of the adenoma. This case accentuates the necessity of a multifaceted diagnostic methodology, especially in convoluted primary hyperparathyroidism presentations. It highlights the yet-to-be widely adopted 18F-Fluorocholine PET/CT scan, emphasizing its prospective significance awaiting Food and Drug Administration (FDA) endorsement.