A cost-utility analysis of 18F-fluorocholine-positron emission tomography imaging for localizing primary hyperparathyroidism in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Primary hyperparathyroidism historically necessitated bilateral neck exploration to remove abnormal parathyroid tissue. Improved localization allows for focused parathyroidectomy with lower complication risks. Recently, positron emission tomography using radiolabeled 18F-fluorocholine demonstrated high accuracy in detecting these lesions, but its cost-effectiveness has not been studied in the United States. METHODS: A decision tree modeled patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism using single preoperative localization modalities: (1) positron emission tomography using radiolabeled 18F-fluorocholine, (2) 4-dimensional computed tomography, (3) ultrasound, and (4) sestamibi single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). All patients underwent either focused parathyroidectomy versus bilateral neck exploration, with associated cost ($) and clinical outcomes measured in quality-adjusted life-years gained. Model parameters were informed by literature review and Medicare costs. Incremental cost-utility ratios were calculated in US dollars/quality-adjusted life-years gained, with a willingness-to-pay threshold set at $100,000/quality-adjusted life-year. One-way, 2-way, and threshold sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: Positron emission tomography using radiolabeled 18F-fluorocholine gained the most quality-adjusted life-years (23.9) and was the costliest ($2,096), with a total treatment cost of $11,245 or $470/quality-adjusted life-year gained. Sestamibi single photon emission computed tomography and ultrasound were dominated strategies. Compared with 4-dimentional computed tomography, the incremental cost-utility ratio for positron emission tomography using radiolabeled 18F-fluorocholine was $91,066/quality-adjusted life-year gained in our base case analysis, which was below the willingness-to-pay threshold. In 1-way sensitivity analysis, the incremental cost-utility ratio was sensitive to test accuracy, positron emission tomography using radiolabeled 18F-fluorocholine price, postoperative complication probabilities, proportion of bilateral neck exploration patients needing overnight hospitalization, and life expectancy. CONCLUSION: Our model elucidates scenarios in which positron emission tomography using radiolabeled 18F-fluorocholine can potentially be a cost-effective imaging option for primary hyperparathyroidism in the United States. Further investigation is needed to determine the maximal cost-effectiveness for positron emission tomography using radiolabeled 18F-fluorocholine in selected populations.

Superior sensitivity of 18F-fluorocholine: PET localization in primary hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative parathyroid imaging guides surgeons during parathyroidectomy. This study evaluates the clinical impact of 18F-fluorocholine positron emission tomography for preoperative parathyroid localization on patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. METHODS: Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and indications for parathyroidectomy had simultaneous 18F-fluorocholine positron emission tomography imaging/magnetic resonance imaging. In patients who underwent subsequent parathyroidectomy, cure was based on lab values at least 6 months after surgery. Location-based sensitivity and specificity of 18F-fluorocholine positron emission tomography imaging was assessed using 3 anatomic locations (left neck, right neck, and mediastinum), with surgery as the gold standard. RESULTS: In 101 patients, 18F-fluorocholine positron emission tomography localized at least 1 candidate lesion in 93% of patients overall and in 91% of patients with previously negative imaging, leading to a change in preoperative strategy in 60% of patients. Of 76 patients who underwent parathyroidectomy, 58 (77%) had laboratory data at least 6 months postoperatively, with 55/58 patients (95%) demonstrating cure. 18F-fluorocholine positron emission tomography successfully guided curative surgery in 48/58 (83%) patients, compared with 20/57 (35%) based on ultrasound and 13/55 (24%) based on sestamibi. In a location-based analysis, sensitivity of 18F-fluorocholine positron emission tomography (88.9%) outperformed both ultrasound (37.1%) and sestamibi (27.5%), as well as ultrasound and sestamibi combined (47.8%). CONCLUSION: Long-term results in the first cohort in the United States to use 18F-fluorocholine positron emission tomography for parathyroid localization confirm its utility in a challenging cohort, with better sensitivity than ultrasound or sestamibi.

Correlation of Preoperative Imaging Findings and Parathyroidectomy Outcomes Support NICE 2019 Guidance.

CONTEXT: Preoperative localization studies are standard practice in patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). The most common modalities are neck ultrasound (US) and sestamibi scanning. However, the nature of pHPT is changing, with imaging increasingly yielding negative results. Numerous studies suggest unlocalized disease is associated with poor outcomes, calling into question whether such patients are best treated conservatively. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to correlate parathyroidectomy outcomes with preoperative imaging in a single, high-volume institution. METHODS: Data from a prospectively maintained departmental database of operations performed from 2017 to 2019 were analyzed. All patients undergoing first-time surgery for sporadic pHPT were included. Data collected included patient demographics, preoperative imaging, surgical strategy, and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 609 consecutive parathyroidectomies were included, with a median age of 59 years (range 20-87 years). The all-comer cure rate was 97.5%; this was 97.9% in dual localized patients (those with positive US and sestamibi), compared to 95.8% in the dual unlocalized group (those with negative US and sestamibi) (P = 0.33). Unilateral neck exploration was the chosen approach in 59.9% of patients with double-positive imaging and 5.7% of patients with double-negative imaging (otherwise, bilateral parathyroid visualization was performed). There was no significant difference in postoperative complications between patients undergoing unilateral or bilateral neck exploration. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with negative preoperative imaging who undergo parathyroidectomy are cured in almost 96% of cases, compared to 98% when the disease is localized. This difference does not reach statistical or clinical significance. These findings therefore support current recommendations that all patients with pHPT who are likely to benefit from operative intervention should be considered for parathyroidectomy, irrespective of preoperative imaging findings.

Feasibility and Utility of Adenosine Stress Echocardiography in Children Following Post-Arterial Switch Operation: A Comparison with Technetium 99m-Sestamibi Myocardial Perfusion SPECT (MPS).

There is a need for a sensitive, safe, and cost-effective tool for coronary assessment among asymptomatic post-operative children who have undergone arterial switch operation (ASO) for transposition of great arteries (TGA). Adenosine stress echocardiography may be useful in assessing major structures as well for coronary functional assessment. Twenty-six children [median age 6.0 years; IQR 4.9-7.1 years, (22 boys)], who had undergone ASO at a median age of 40 days (IQR 30-75 days), were prospectively included. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was calculated in both rest and stress studies (140 µg/kg/min of adenosine IV over 4 min), along with assessment of regional myocardial wall motion. Coronary flow reserve (CFR) was also measured in the left anterior descending artery (LAD). Technetium 99m-MIBI [0.2mCi/kg] was injected after 2 min of adenosine infusion. Adenosine infusion had to be stopped in two children, due to transient atrioventricular (AV) block. The LVEF increased from 55.87 ± 7.27 to 61.20 ± 7.70% (p < 0.001) with adenosine stress. No significant regional wall motion abnormality was seen in rest or stress. Distal LAD could not be visualized in four patients. Basal and peak coronary flow velocities were 41.51 ± 14.12 and 74.18 ± 6.01 cm/s. Mean CFR was 1.91 ± 0.51. Myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) was normal in all the patients. Four patients were lost to follow-up and remaining children did not develop any adverse events in the follow-up period of 64.5 ± 7.19 months. Adenosine stress echocardiography is feasible as the initial screening test in the assessment of asymptomatic post-operative children with ASO, at minimal to no inconvenience to the patient. The findings concurred with stress MPS.

Acute hyperparathyroid crisis: ectopic submandibular parathyroid gland the culprit.

Parathyroid exploration via a focused approach or bilateral neck exploration should be considered in the management of all types of hyperparathyroidism. Eutopic and ectopic, single or multiple glands can pose challenges to the surgeon and available preoperative imaging modalities may not be equally applicable or appropriate in all cases. We report an interesting case of parathyroid surgery where the patient presented with a rare ectopic adenoma in the form of a hyperparathyroid crisis.

The changing face of reoperative parathyroidectomy: a single-centre comparison of 147 parathyroid reoperations.

INTRODUCTION: Reoperative parathyroidectomy for persistent and recurrent primary hyperparathyroidism is dependent on radiology. This study aimed to compare outcomes in reoperative parathyroidectomy at a single centre using a combination of traditional and newer imaging studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective case note review of all reoperative parathyroidectomies for persistent and recurrent primary hyperparathyroidism over five years (June 2014 to June 2019; group A). Imaging modalities used and their positive predictive value, complications and cure rates were compared with a published dataset spanning the preceding nine years (group B). RESULTS: From over 2000 parathyroidectomies, 147 were reoperations (101 in group A and 46 in group B). Age and sex ratios were similar (56 vs 62 years; 77% vs 72% female). Ultrasound use remains high and shows better positive predictive value (76% vs 57 %). 99mTc-sestamibi use has declined (79% vs 91%) but the positive predictive value has improved (74% vs 53%). 4DCT use has almost doubled (61% vs 37%) with better positive predictive value (88% vs 75%). 18F-fluorocholine positron emission tomography-computed tomography and ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration for parathyroid hormone are novel modalities only available for group A. Both carried a positive predictive value of 100%. Venous sampling with or without angiography use has decreased (35% vs 39%) but maintains a high positive predictive value (86% vs 91%). Cure rates were similar (96% vs 100%). Group A had 5% permanent hypoparathyroidism, 1% permanent vocal cord palsy and 1% haematoma requiring reoperation. No complications for group B. CONCLUSION: Optimal imaging is key to good cure rates in reoperative parathyroidectomy. High-quality, non-interventional imaging techniques have produced a shift in the preoperative algorithm without compromising outcomes.

Efficiency of tetrofosmin versus sestamibi achieved through shorter injection-to-imaging times: A systematic review of the literature.

Based on superior image quality, more accurate gated images, and lower radiation exposure to patients, Technetium-99m (Tc-99m) based tracers are preferred over Thallium-201 for SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging. The two Tc-99m tracers, sestamibi and tetrofosmin, have many similar characteristics but there are differences in blood and liver clearance rates, as well as the recommended time after injection for imaging to achieve optimal image quality. Because published peer-reviewed studies examining optimal times between injection and imaging are limited, it can be difficult to identify evidence-based opportunities to optimize imaging protocols. Using systematic literature review methods, this study was designed to identify and consolidate the available evidence on the use of sestamibi compared to tetrofosmin for variable injection to imaging times in regard to test efficiency, including test length and re-scan rates, and image quality, including overall quality and cardiac to extra-cardiac ratios. The composite of this data shows that earlier imaging with tetrofosmin is equivalent to later imaging with sestamibi when assessing subjective image quality or when quantifying heart-to-extra-cardiac ratios. Image quality and heart-to-extra-cardiac ratios comparing early versus later imaging with tetrofosmin were comparable if not equivalent to each other. The equivalency of the imaging quality occurs with 15 minutes (on average) earlier imaging compared to sestamibi and 30 minutes compared to standard time tetrofosmin. The subjective findings of equivalent image quality are also shown with objective measurements of heart-to-extra-cardiac ratios. In this review, the significantly shorter injection-to-acquisition times with tetrofosmin compared to sestamibi resulted in better efficiency and less waiting times for patients; in addition, significantly higher re-scan rates with sestamibi compared to tetrofosmin due to hepatic activity contributed to better throughput with tetrofosmin.

Advanced atrioventricular block and left bundle branch block in a patient with coronary artery fistula.

Coronary artery fistulas are abnormal vascular conduits, rarely related to atrioventricular conduction abnormalities. We report the case of a 52-year-old woman who presented with dyspnoea on exertion. Her ECG revealed advanced atrioventricular block and left bundle branch block. CT scans confirmed two fistulas, from the conus branch of right coronary artery and from the left anterior descending coronary artery, into the pulmonary artery. The patient underwent pacemaker implantation. To date, only nine patients with different degrees of heart blocks associated with coronary artery fistulas have been reported. Herein, we review and summarise previously reported cases of different degrees of heart blocks associated with coronary artery fistulas.

Capabilities of multi-pinhole SPECT with two stationary detectors for in vivo rat imaging.

We aimed to investigate the image quality of the U-SPECT5/CT E-Class a micro single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) system with two large stationary detectors for visualization of rat hearts and bones using clinically available 99mTc-labelled tracers. Sensitivity, spatial resolution, uniformity and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the small-animal SPECT scanner were investigated in phantom studies using an ultra-high-resolution rat and mouse multi-pinhole collimator (UHR-RM). Point source, hot-rod, and uniform phantoms with 99mTc-solution were scanned for high-count performance assessment and count levels equal to animal scans, respectively. Reconstruction was performed using the similarity-regulated ordered-subsets expectation maximization (SROSEM) algorithm with Gaussian smoothing. Rats were injected with ~ 100 MBq [99mTc]Tc-MIBI or ~ 150 MBq [99mTc]Tc-HMDP and received multi-frame micro-SPECT imaging after tracer distribution. Animal scans were reconstructed for three different acquisition times and post-processed with different sized Gaussian filters. Following reconstruction, CNR was calculated and image quality evaluated by three independent readers on a five-point scale from 1 = "very poor" to 5 = "very good". Point source sensitivity was 567 cps/MBq and radioactive rods as small as 1.2 mm were resolved with the UHR-RM collimator. Collimator-dependent uniformity was 55.5%. Phantom CNR improved with increasing rod size, filter size and activity concentration. Left ventricle and bone structures were successfully visualized in rat experiments. Image quality was strongly affected by the extent of post-filtering, whereas scan time did not have substantial influence on visual assessment. Good image quality was achieved for resolution range greater than 1.8 mm in bone and 2.8 mm in heart. The recently introduced small animal SPECT system with two stationary detectors and UHR-RM collimator is capable to provide excellent image quality in heart and bone scans in a rat using standardized reconstruction parameters and appropriate post-filtering. However, there are still challenges in achieving maximum system resolution in the sub-millimeter range with in vivo settings under limited injection dose and acquisition time.

The role of 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism: comparison with 99mTc-MIBI planar scintigraphy and ultrasonography.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the sensitivity of 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT, 99mTc-MIBI planar scintigraphy and ultrasonography (US) in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), and to explore the factors that affect the sensitivity of 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT. METHODS: In this retrospective study, forty-six patients with SHPT who underwent 99mTc-MIBI planar scintigraphy, 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT and US were enrolled. They underwent surgery within 1 month. We compared the sensitivity of the different imaging methods based on the lesions according to the pathological results. The parathyroid lesions on 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT images were divided into missed diagnosis group (MDG) and non-missed diagnosis group (NMDG). We compared the lesion to background ratio (LBR), maximum diameter, volume, the mean CT Hounsfield unit values (CTmean) and location of lesions between MDG and NMDG. RESULTS: The sensitivity of 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT, 99mTc-MIBI planar scintigraphy and US were 70.30% versus 48.48% versus 61.82%, respectively. The sensitivity of 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT combined US was 79.39%, which was higher than 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT with significant difference (P = 0.000). On 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT images, the LBR, maximum diameter and volume of lesions in MDG was smaller than those in NMDG with significant difference (P < 0.001). The average LBR, maximum diameter and volume of lesions in MDG and NMDG were 3.42 ± 1.28, 9.32 ± 2.69 mm, 208.51 ± 163.22 mm3 versus 6.75 ± 5.08, 15.03 ± 4.94 mm and 863.85 ± 1216.0 mm3, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT exhibited the highest sensitivity among the three methods. When 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT combined with US, the sensitivity can be further improved. Lesions with lower MIBI uptake and smaller lesions on 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT images were easily missed.

Diagnostic performance of ultrasonography, dual-phase 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy, early and delayed 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT in preoperative parathyroid gland localization in secondary hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) usually requires parathyroidectomy when drug regimens fail. However, obtaining an exact preoperative map of the locations of the parathyroid glands is a challenge. The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of US, dual-phase 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy, early and delayed 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT in patients with SHPT. METHODS: Sixty patients with SHPT who were undergoing dialysis were evaluated preoperatively by US, dual-phase 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy, early and delayed 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT. Postoperative pathology served as the gold standard. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were determined for each method. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyse the correlation of hyperplastic parathyroid calcification with serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and parathyroid hormone (PTH). RESULTS: A total of 229 lesions in 60 patients were pathologically confirmed to be parathyroid hyperplasia, with 209 lesions in typical sites, 15 lesions in the upper mediastinum and 5 lesions in the thyroid. A total of 88.33% (53/60) of patients had four lesions. US, early and delayed 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT had significantly higher sensitivity and accuracy than dual-phase 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy (P < 0.001). Furthermore, early 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT had significantly higher sensitivity (P < 0.001) and accuracy (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001) than US and delayed 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT. In patients with ectopic hyperplastic parathyroid glands, the sensitivity of early 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT (90%) was significantly higher than that of US (55%) and dual-phase 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy (50%) (P < 0.05). The Spearman correlation results showed a significant albeit weak association between calcification and both serum PTH and ALP (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The ability of early 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT to detect hyperplastic parathyroid glands in patients with SHPT is superior to that of US, dual-phase 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy and delayed 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT; furthermore, dual-phase 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT is not essential.

Does myocardial viability detection improve using a novel combined 99mTc sestamibi infusion and low dose dobutamine infusion in high risk ischemic cardiomyopathy patients?

OBJECTIVE: Early identification of viable myocardium in ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) patients is essential for early intervention and better clinical outcome. 99mTechnetium (99mTc) sestamibi gated myocardial perfusion imaging (gMPI) is a well-established technique for myocardial viability evaluation. Detection of potentially viable segments is a predictor of hibernating myocardium. ICM patients with hibernation have a better prognosis after revascularization. We used a novel infusion technique to determine better viability detection preoperatively in challenging situations. Like thallium, does prolonged availability of sestamibi in circulation with additional low dose dobutamine steady infusion (DS Inf) facilitate improved myocardial viability? METHODS: A total of 58 ICM patients with infarct and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <45% underwent 99mTc sestamibi bolus injection followed by slow intravenous infusion single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) using a 2 day protocol. After acquiring the second set of 99mTc sestamibi infusion images, a third SPECT gMPI was performed during DS Inf. RESULTS: A 17-segment myocardial model was used; 52 of 58 patients (548/986 segments) demonstrated perfusion defects (nonviable myocardium) on bolus study. Only 24 patients demonstrated viable segments by standard bolus imaging protocol. The slow MIBI infusion study demonstrated 158 viable segments (12 ICM patients), while combined infusion (99mTc sestamibi+DS Inf) exhibited an additional 6 patients with improved myocardial viability. Thus, 18 high risk patients benefited by this novel infusion technique to demonstrate viable myocardium on SPECT. There was a significantly higher sensitivity (p=0.05) and positive predictive value (p=0.01) in viability identification with the combined DS Inf technique. In dysfunctional segments, the rate of concordance for detecting viability between infusion and bolus techniques was 65%. Paired t test showed statistically significant improvement in viability detection with combined infusion compared to the bolus study (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: This novel infusion technique was shown to be feasible and incremental in viability detection in ICM patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction. It is a robust tool to guide revascularization, in high risk ICM patients. This study also showed that patients with large transmural MI demonstrated no significant improvement in myocardial perfusion status using either protocol.

Hallazgo incidental de glándula tiroides ectópica en estudio de paciente con hiperparatiroidismo primario / Incidental finding of ectopic thyroid gland in the study of a patient with primary hyperparathyroidism

No disponible

18F-fluorocholine PET/CT in MEN1 Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT1) is the most frequent endocrinopathy in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). Its surgical management is challenging. We aimed to describe and compare the imaging findings of parathyroid ultrasound (US), sestaMIBI scintigraphy (sestaMIBI), and 18F-fluorocholine (FCH) PET/CT in a series of MEN1 patients with HPT1. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a cohort of MEN1 patients with HPT1 assessed by parathyroid US, sestaMIBI scintigraphy and SPECT/CT, and FCH-PET/CT for potential surgery between 2015 and 2019. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients with a confirmed diagnosis of MEN1 who presented with HPT1 and were assessed by the 3 imaging modalities were included. After imaging workups, 11 patients were operated on for the first time, 4 underwent a redo surgery, and 7 did not undergo an operation. The overall patient-based positivity rate of imaging was 91% (20 of 22) for parathyroid US and 96% (21 of 22) for both sestaMIBI and FCH-PET/CT. The 3 imaging modalities demonstrated negative findings in 1/22 patient who did not undergo surgery. Overall, 3 pathologic glands were not detected by any imaging technique. SestaMIBI and FCH-PET/CT both resulted in the same 3 false-positive results in ectopic areas with a significant uptake on two thymic carcinoid tumors and one inflammatory lymph node. FCH-PET/CT provided more surgically relevant data than sestaMIBI in 4/11 patients with initial surgery and in 1/4 patient who underwent redo surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to sestaMIBI scintigraphy, FCH-PET/CT provides additional information regarding the number of pathologic parathyroid glands and their localization in MEN1 patients with HPT1.

Left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony analzyed by Tc-99m sestamibi SPECT and F-18 FDG PET in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and the prognostic value.

To compare the left ventricular (LV) phase dyssynchrony parameters obtained from Tc-99m Sestamibi SPECT (GSPECT) and F-18 FDG PET(GPET), as well as the prognostic values in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). Consecutive ICM patients referred for myocardial viability assessment were retrospectively evaluated and were followed-up for 21 ± 5 months. Phase parameter from both GSPECT and GPET were analyzed by QGS software, including histogram bandwidth (BW), standard deviation (SD) and entropy. Independent predictor for cardiac death was analyzed by Cox regression analysis. The estimated cardiac survival curve was analyzed by and was compared with the log-rank test. Eight-eight (mean age 56 ± 10, male 94%, LVEFSPECT23 ± 10%) ICM patients were included for analysis. Moderate correlations were observed for BW (r = 0.65; p < 0.001), SD (r = 0.63; p < 0.001) and entropy (r = 0.73; p < 0.001) between GSPECT and GPET. Among all covariates, the extent of myocardial scar was significantly associated with the differences of SD (r = 0.22; p < 0.05) and entropy (r = - 0.7; p < 0.05), whereas the extent of myocardial viability was not (all p > 0.05). Entropy measured by GSPECT was the predictor for cardiac death (p = 0.037) while QRS duration was not. The cardiac survival of patients with a high entropy (≥ 59%) was significantly lower than that of patients with low entropy (< 59%) (p < 0.05). GSPECT and GPET-derived phase parameters were not interchangeable in ICM patients. Patients with LV dyssynchrony measured by gated SPECT were associated with a worse outcome.

Relationship between the infarct localization and left ventricular rotation parameters following acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: This study was an investigation of the role of left ventricular (LV) apical rotation seen in the early period after myocardial infarction (MI) in predicting infarct localization. METHODS: A total of 124 patients with a ST-Segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) diagnosis who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and 50 healthy volunteers with similar demographic characteristics were included in the study. The relationship between 2-dimenstional speckle tracking echocardiography (STE)-guided LV apical rotation angle measurements and technetium-99m sestamibi-single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)-guided infarct localization was evaluated. Conventional echocardiography and STE were performed on average 2 days after PCI, and gated SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) was performed within an average of 60 days. RESULTS: The apical rotation angle was lower in patients with an anterior MI compared with those who had an inferior MI and the control group (AntMI-InfMI: 6.51±2.4°, AntMI-Control: 13.20±2.5°, InfMI-Control: 14.3±2.1°; p value: 0.00, 0.00, 0.15, respectively). SPECT MPI analysis revealed the presence of an LV apical scar in all patients with acute anterior MI, but only 14 of those with inferior MI group (usually the inferoapical wall). The apical rotation angle recorded in patients with apical scar was lower than that of the patients without apical scar (7.6±2.8° and 14.5±2°, respectively; p=0.00). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis yielded an area under the curve for apical rotation of 0.799 (p<0.01). The optimal cutoff value of 12.1° had a sensitivity of 78.3% and a specificity of 68.2% for predicting LV apical scar following STEMI. CONCLUSION: Detection of apical rotation angle decrease in the early period after STEMI may be useful in predicting extension of infarct scarring to the LV apex.

Surgical options in treating patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Background Primary hyperparathyroidism is the third most common endocrine disorder for which surgical procedure called parathyroidectomy is the most effective treatment. Since the early 20th century, parathyroid surgery has improved extensively. With the advances in preoperative imaging and with understanding the causes of disease, new and minimally invasive surgical approaches overrode the standard bilateral exploratory operations. Directed parathyroidectomy is currently the standard technique for treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism worldwide. Conclusions Surgery is the only definitive treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism. The most appropriate type of surgical procedure depends on the number and localization of the hyperactive parathyroid glands, availability of modern imaging techniques, limitation of each type of procedure and expertise.

Myocardial perfusion stress test: is it worth?

To test the utility of the Tc99m-sestaMIBI myocardial perfusion stress test (MPS) over stress echo test (SEHO) in dyslipidemic patients with intermediate pre-test probability score. 56 dyslipidemic patients (42 males and 14 females) with a suspected/known ischaemic heart disease and intermediate pre-test probability score underwent MPS and SEHO. They were followed for 25.77 ± 6.19 months. The data about the new-onset cardiac events and possible coronary angiography (CA) were collected. MPS was positive in 80% of the patients, SEHO in 68% of the patients. Results of the SEHO and MPS showed a good correlation (p < 0.001, µ = 0.505). Both procedures had a good correlation with CA findings in the follow-up. Cardiac events occurred in 57% of the patients. The MPS result, SSS, SDS were significantly associated with the new-onset cardiac events (p < 0.05). The patients with higher SDS had more chance to get a cardiac event in the follow-up (ROC curve area = 0.719, p = 0.003). MPS sensitivity was 91%, specificity 56%; SEHO sensitivity 85% and specificity 61%. MPS may be useful in predicting a future cardiovascular event. It is sufficiently informative, objectified by quantification software, and with correspondingly reduced radiation doses it may be the method of choice in patients with intermediate pre-test probability score.