Diagnosis and treatment of 21 patients with carotid body tumor

Objective:To summarize the experience in diagnosis and treatment of carotid body tumors(CBT) and explore the preoperative preparation,operation methods and prevention of the complications. Methods: Twenty-one patients with CBT were performed ultrasonography examination before surgical operation;8 cases received digital subtraction radiography and 13 multi-slice spiral CT angiography or magnetic resonance angiography. All the 21 cases underwent Matas test before operation;10 patients received resection of the tumor only,7 cases resection of the tumor along with the external carotid artery,4 cases vascular reconstruction of the carotid artery after resection of the tumor body,carotid artery,external carotid artery and the common carotid artery. Results:Complete resection of the CBT was achieved in all the 21 cases. No death,paralysis or blindness occurred after surgery. Distortion of commissure was observed in 1 case,Horner's syndrome in 1 case,hoarseness in 1 case,crooked tongue in 1 case and bucking while drinking in 1cases. Twenty patients were followed up for a period of 4 months to 15 years,with no tumor recurrence or metastases. Conclusions:Preoperative color Dopple,selective angiography and multi-slice spiral CT angiography or magnetic resonance angiograph may help to confirm the diagnosis;surgical resection is the choice of treatment for carotid body tumor. Diminishing the cerebral ischemia time and protecting the cerebral nerve are essential for the prevention of serious postoperative complications.