Lateral neck imaging for spatial localization of parathyroid tissue

Two patients with an ectopic parathyroid adenoma are described. In both cases the lesions were clearly demonstrated in an anterior view on Tl-201/Tc-99m scintigraphy, but were not identified during the first surgical exploration. Failure to identify the ectopic adenoma at surgery in the second patient led to oblique and lateral views being obtained. These views permitted correct depth localization. We, therefore, believe that lateral and oblique views can be of assistance in improving preoperative localization of an ectopic parathyroid adenoma.