Suspected hyperplastic parathyroid glands: Are they visualized on FDG-PET/CT in patients with end-stage renal disease?

Objectives To investigate retrospectively the incidence of visualization of suspected hyperplastic parathyroid glands on FDG-PET/CT in patients with end-stage renal disease who require regular dialysis.

Methods We identified a total of 64 patients (M:F; 50:14, mean age ± SD; 69.2 ± 10.0 years [range; 37-87]) with end-stage renal disease who received FDG-PET/CT for malignancy or unrelated causes. FDG-PET/CT images and CT images only from FDG-PET/CT studies were evaluated separately, and foci of FDG uptake or soft-tissue density nodules on CT images which were consistent with hyperplastic parathyroid glands were recorded.

Results Foci of increased FDG uptake corresponding to hyperplastic parathyroid glands were identified in 3 patients (4.7%). On the other hand, CT images visualized suspected hyperplastic parathyroid glands in other 6 patients.

Conclusions Although its incidence is low, FDG uptake in suspected hyperplastic parathyroid glands is observed in patients with end-stage renal disease who require regular dialysis. We should consider this phenomenon, when we interpret FDG-PET/CT of the neck region in these patients.