The application of 16-row CT angiography in the diagnosis of carotid body tumor

Objective To study the value and technique advantages of 16-row CT angiography in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of carotid body tumor.Methods To retrospectively analyse the CTA results of 8 cases with carotid body tumor confirmed by clinic and pathology and evaluate the display of the blood vessel.Results(1) the chief CT manifestation:In plain scanning,there are 8 cases with bigger tumor whose diameter are about 3～6cm,irregular shape,clear edge,and no calcification;In arterial phase,the tumor is evidently patched and abundant with plentiful tumor vessel;In venous phase,the tumor,whose intensification degree is higher than that in arterial phase,is inhomogeneous intensified with plentiful tumor vessel.(2)The multiplanar reconstruction,max density projection and cubage reconstructure can clearly show that the tumor is located to the fork of external carotid artery and internal carotid artery.The fork angle is increased obviously,even vaulted change.They can show the relation between the tumor and surrounding sclerotin markedly.Conclusion The 16-row CT angiography which has the characteristic of convenience,accuracy and peculiarity,is the first choice in the diagnosis of carotid body tumor.It can clearly show the relation between the tumor,carotid artery and the vicinal structure.