BACKGROUND: Precise localization of abnormal parathyroid glands is important for a successful surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). While a large number of patients can be successfully treated with the focused parathyroidectomy, there is a considerable rate of the persistent PHPT mostly because of undetected multiglandular disease (MGD).

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the meaning of preoperative visualization data for planning the surgery for patients with PHPT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted at SPBU Hospital in 2017-2018. 810 patients who underwent a primary surgery for PHPT were included in the study. Preoperative imaging results were investigated and multivariative logistic regressions were calculated to assess the predictive values of preoperative data. The rate of cases with persistent disease and cases with MGD were compared between patients with different results of preoperative data.

RESULTS: Age, sex, body mass index, negative results of preoperative US, MIBI and 4D CT were not independently associated with the higher risk of multiglandular disease. The larger number of performed preoperative visualization studies were associated with the higher risk of persistence. 37% cases of MGD were not identified preoperatively. There were 7 cases with previously unsuspected second adenomas found only due to bilateral neck exploration.

CONCLUSION: Any combination of preoperative visualization modalities was not able to rule out the MGD reliably. Efficacy of surgical treatment was not associated with the higher number of preoperative studies. Bilateral neck exploration may decrease the rate of the persistent hyperparathyroidism improving the identification of multiglandular disease.