[Diagnosis and localization of primary hyperparathyroidism].

The diagnostic value of pre-operative laboratory tests and current imaging methods was evaluated in a series of 65 patients operated upon for primary hyperparathyroidism. Among laboratory tests, nephrogenous cyclic AMP and PTH serum levels had sensitivities of 100% and 71.7% respectively. Total urinary cyclic AMP and bone biopsy were much less reliable. Imaging procedures were mainly real-time ultrasonography and thallium-technetium substraction scintigraphy with sensitivities of 50.8% and 46.7% and specificities of 86.3 and 76.3% respectively. Failure of cervical exploration occurred in only one case and was attributed to an incorrect diagnosis (1.5%). Thus the selective use of these preoperative investigations may be envisaged in the following cases: hypercalcemic crises, highly probable PHP, uncertain PHP and in secondary surgical exploration.