Objective: To make a further understanding of the DSA features of the carotid body tumor (CBT) and to explore the clinical value of DSA diagnosis and interventional treatment for CBT. Methods: Twelve cases of CBT with DSA data were analyzed retrospectively. The DSA appearances in all of the patients were observed dynamically in a double blind manner by two experienced radiologists together and a consensus interpretation formed. Results: DSA could establish definitive diagnosis in all cases. The DSA features of the CBT were: the increase of bifurcation angles of internal and external carotid arteries in all cases; the CBT supplied by external carotid arteries in most cases and the significant increase of tumor vessels in bifurcation; invasion of internal or external carotid arteries in 6 cases. The tumor staining disappeared mostly after the supplying arteris were embolized in 2 cases, and the bleeding during the operation reduced significantly. Conclusion: The DSA is useful in the diagnosis of the CBT and for therapeutic planning. The pre-operation embolization of the CBT contributes to reduce the bleeding during operation.Carotid body tumor (CBT), also called carotid accessory nerve tumor or chemoreceptor tumor, is unusual in clinic. Digital substraction angiography (DSA) takes an important part in the diagnosis and treatment of CBT [1,2] . This article retrospectively analyzes 12 patients with CBT confirmed by postoperative pathological report, with the view of discussing the diagnosis and interventional treatment of CBT.
Materials and methodsIn the series of 12 CBT cases with a mean age of 37.5 years (13-57), 7 cases were male, others were female, and the course of diseases ranged from 2 months to 12 years. Tumors were on right side in 5 cases, on left side in 6 cases, and on both sides in one case. The surface of the tumor was smooth. The tumor had a clear boundary and hard texture and could also be moved flatly. The sign of the detachment of internal and external carotid artery appeared in 6 cases and pulsation could be touched in 5 cases. Systolic murmur could be heard in 3 cases. Tumors grew slowly in 2 cases. One case had local distending pain. Matas test was done before operation in all cases.On the common carotid artery and internal and external carotid artery chosen, at the help of Shimadzu digitex α 2400 or GE advantx LC-LP DSA system, anterposterior and lateral DSA examinations were made respectively. Oblique and rotational DSA examinations were Correspondence to: QI Yueyong done if necessary. Above-mentioned examinations relied on Seldinger puncture. Cross-test experiment was applied in cerebral angiography in all cases. The DSA appearances in all of the patients were observed dynamically in a double blind manner by two experienced radiologists together and a consensus interpretation formed.
ResultsDSA could establish definitive diagnosis and the features were in accordance with the results of operation. The average size of tumors was 3.5 cm×4.0 cm (2.0 cm×2.3 cm-6.2 cm×6.8 cm). According to classif...
