High Resolution and Dynamic Sequential Computed Tomography: Use in the Evaluation of Glomus Complex Tumors

Abstract

\s=b\Computed tomography (CT) has been used to investigate the presence, site, and extent of glomus complex tumors. High resolution CT scanning can accurately evaluate invasion of cervical soft tissues, intratympanic or intracranial extension, and bony involvement of the skull base. Glomus tumors can be differentiated by CT angiographic dynamic study from most other tumors in the head and neck because of their profuse vascularity and their intense enhancement seen on dynamic CT during arterial phase. A glomus tympanicum or extension of a glomus jugulare into the hypotypanum can be best demonstrated by high resolution CT using target review image reconstruction. Glomus tumor in the middle ear can be differentiated from other masses by CT dynamic study and the computergenerated density time curves. (Arch Otolaryngol 1983;109:691-696) The roentgenographic diagnosis of glomus complex tumors has gen¬ erally been dependent on angiogra¬ phy, which shows the vascular nature of these tumors. Their specific loca¬ tion and extent has been surmised based on their position and displace-

Glomus tumor of the omentum: A case report

“…In the present case, CT findings such as heterogeneous strong enhancement during the early and late phase were found. These CT findings, however, may show a non-specific soft tissue attenuation mass; hence, glomus tumors can be differentiated by CT angiographic dynamic study from most other tumors in the head and neck [12].…”

Glomus tumor of the omentum: A case report

“…In the present case, CT findings such as heterogeneous strong enhancement during the early and late phase were found. These CT findings, however, may show a non-specific soft tissue attenuation mass; hence, glomus tumors can be differentiated by CT angiographic dynamic study from most other tumors in the head and neck [12].…”

A primary glomus tumour of the facial nerve canal

“…Other uncommon sites for glomus tumours include the inferior cervical ganglion, vagus nerve (glomus vagale), carotid bifurcation, the larynx, orbit, paranasal sinuses and aortic arch. 4 Atypical sites for histologically con rmed primary glomus tumours in the ear even include the external auditory canal. 5 ,6 Other lesions have also been described within the middle ear simulating glomus tumours, although authors tend to stress a grey or blue colouration to lesions such as haemangiomas, granulomas and arterio-venous malformations.…”

Glomus tympanica and other intratympanic masses: Role of imaging

“…Computed tomography (CT) scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been used extensively in the diagnosis of the temporal bone lesions. [1][2][3][4][5][6] CT scan provides unsurpassed resolution of the bony structures of the temporal bone and the base of the skull. However, its limited soft tissue characterization restricts the differentiation of certain lesions, such as intratympanic serous fluid vs hemorrhagic fluid (cholesterol granuloma and hemotympanum).…”

“…The glomus jugulare (Figure 2), in contrast, arises from glomus tissues (bodies) located in the jugular foramen and jugular bulb region (jugular fossa). [1][2][3][4][5][6] This location typically results in erosion of the floor of the tympanic cavity, unusual for a small glomus tympanicum. Owing to this low location, depending on its superior extent into the hypo-protympanum, the glomus jugulare is a variably visible on otoscopy as a red mass.…”

Glomus tumor of the omentum: A case report

“…In the present case, CT findings such as heterogeneous strong enhancement during the early and late phase were found. These CT findings, however, may show a non-specific soft tissue attenuation mass; hence, glomus tumors can be differentiated by CT angiographic dynamic study from most other tumors in the head and neck [12].…”

A primary glomus tumour of the facial nerve canal

“…Other uncommon sites for glomus tumours include the inferior cervical ganglion, vagus nerve (glomus vagale), carotid bifurcation, the larynx, orbit, paranasal sinuses and aortic arch. 4 Atypical sites for histologically con rmed primary glomus tumours in the ear even include the external auditory canal. 5 ,6 Other lesions have also been described within the middle ear simulating glomus tumours, although authors tend to stress a grey or blue colouration to lesions such as haemangiomas, granulomas and arterio-venous malformations.…”

Glomus tympanica and other intratympanic masses: Role of imaging

“…Computed tomography (CT) scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been used extensively in the diagnosis of the temporal bone lesions. [1][2][3][4][5][6] CT scan provides unsurpassed resolution of the bony structures of the temporal bone and the base of the skull. However, its limited soft tissue characterization restricts the differentiation of certain lesions, such as intratympanic serous fluid vs hemorrhagic fluid (cholesterol granuloma and hemotympanum).…”

“…The glomus jugulare (Figure 2), in contrast, arises from glomus tissues (bodies) located in the jugular foramen and jugular bulb region (jugular fossa). [1][2][3][4][5][6] This location typically results in erosion of the floor of the tympanic cavity, unusual for a small glomus tympanicum. Owing to this low location, depending on its superior extent into the hypo-protympanum, the glomus jugulare is a variably visible on otoscopy as a red mass.…”

Glomus tumor of the omentum: A case report

“…In the present case, CT findings such as heterogeneous strong enhancement during the early and late phase were found. These CT findings, however, may show a non-specific soft tissue attenuation mass; hence, glomus tumors can be differentiated by CT angiographic dynamic study from most other tumors in the head and neck [12].…”

A primary glomus tumour of the facial nerve canal

“…Other uncommon sites for glomus tumours include the inferior cervical ganglion, vagus nerve (glomus vagale), carotid bifurcation, the larynx, orbit, paranasal sinuses and aortic arch. 4 Atypical sites for histologically con rmed primary glomus tumours in the ear even include the external auditory canal. 5 ,6 Other lesions have also been described within the middle ear simulating glomus tumours, although authors tend to stress a grey or blue colouration to lesions such as haemangiomas, granulomas and arterio-venous malformations.…”

Glomus tympanica and other intratympanic masses: Role of imaging

“…Computed tomography (CT) scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been used extensively in the diagnosis of the temporal bone lesions. [1][2][3][4][5][6] CT scan provides unsurpassed resolution of the bony structures of the temporal bone and the base of the skull. However, its limited soft tissue characterization restricts the differentiation of certain lesions, such as intratympanic serous fluid vs hemorrhagic fluid (cholesterol granuloma and hemotympanum).…”

“…The glomus jugulare (Figure 2), in contrast, arises from glomus tissues (bodies) located in the jugular foramen and jugular bulb region (jugular fossa). [1][2][3][4][5][6] This location typically results in erosion of the floor of the tympanic cavity, unusual for a small glomus tympanicum. Owing to this low location, depending on its superior extent into the hypo-protympanum, the glomus jugulare is a variably visible on otoscopy as a red mass.…”