Incidental Warthin Tumor on Pertechnetate Scintigraphy

Abstract

A 30-year-old woman underwent Tc-pertechnetate scintigraphy for evaluation of thyrotoxicosis. The scintigraphy revealed hypervascular thyroid gland with markedly increased trapping function in both the lobes suggesting diagnosis of Graves disease. Incidentally, a hypervascular and pertechnetate avid focus was seen along the lateral margin of the right parotid gland. Pertechnetate avidity and site of uptake suggested possibility of Warthin tumor. Clinical examination and ultrasonography revealed a well-defined lesion in the superficial lobe of the right parotid gland favoring diagnosis of benign lesion. Postsurgery specimen confirmed diagnosis of Warthin tumor.

Parotid Oncocytoma on 99mTc-Sestamibi Scintigraphy and SPECT/CT

“…1 Warthin tumors are benign and slow-growing neoplasms that demonstrate hypervascularity and pertechnetate avidity. 1,2 The sensitivity and specificity of detecting Warthin tumor on pertechnetate scintigraphy are 78% and 91%, respectively. 3 Because both Warthin tumors and oncocytomas may show increased uptake on pertechnetate scans, it has been proposed that intratumoral radiotracer distribution and washout characteristics can be used in differentiating the two.…”

“…Historically, 99m Tc-pertechnetate has been the radiopharmaceutical of choice for the scintigraphic evaluation of the parotid gland, including both functional disorders and neoplasms, particularly Warthin tumor 1 . Warthin tumors are benign and slow-growing neoplasms that demonstrate hypervascularity and pertechnetate avidity 1,2 . The sensitivity and specificity of detecting Warthin tumor on pertechnetate scintigraphy are 78% and 91%, respectively 3 .…”