Comparison of Radiation Exposure and Cost Between Dynamic Computed Tomography and Sestamibi Scintigraphy for Preoperative Localization of Parathyroid Lesions

Abstract

In patients who underwent directed parathyroid surgery, dynamic CT is comparable to sestamibi scintigraphy in patients with hyperparathyroidism. Although CT delivers a higher dose of radiation, the average background radiation exposure in the United States is 3 mSv/y, and added exposures of less than 15 mSv are considered low risk for carcinogenesis. Overall, dynamic parathyroid CT is a safe, cost-effective alternative to sestamibi scintigraphy.