Can Parathyroid Autofluorescence Distinguish Between Parathyroid Adenomas and Multigland Hyperplasia?

INTRODUCTION: Primary adenoma (PA) and multigland hyperplasia (MGH) account for 85% and 15% of primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) cases, respectively. Near-infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) enhances intraoperative parathyroid identification. We hypothesized that PA would display a more heterogeneous NIRAF pattern than MGH. METHODS: Patients undergoing surgery for sporadic pHPT were categorized based on the presence of PA or MGH. To quantify heterogeneity, we used ratios of mean parathyroid gland (PG) NIRAF over background NIRAF (mean ratio), minimum and maximum PG NIRAF over mean PG NIRAF (minimum and maximum ratios). Additionally, a heterogeneity score was quantified using the mean ratio (mean PG NIRAF over background NIRAF), and overall NIRAF (mean NIRAF of 8 random 15×15 pixel areas). A point was assigned to ratios <0.8 or >1.2. Images were quantified by ImageJ software. Mann-Whitney test was performed for all comparisons. RESULTS: Of 78 patients, 63 had a single PA and 15 had MGH, totaling 102 PGs. There was no difference between their mean ratios. PA had a lower minimum ratio than that of MGH (0.86 ± 0.01 vs 0.93 ± 0.01, p = 0.001) and a brighter maximum ratio (1.21 ± 0.02 vs 1.12 ± 0.01, p = 0.0008). PA also scored higher on their heterogeneity scores than MGH (1.27 ± 0.23 vs 0.33 ± 0.15, p = 0.001). In sum, PA displayed a more heterogeneous pattern with significantly brighter and darker areas (Figure).FigureCONCLUSION: Single parathyroid adenomas display a more heterogeneous autofluorescence pattern compared with that of MGH. Intraoperative characterization of PGs by real-time near-infrared imaging patterns may be a beneficial adjunct during parathyroid surgery.