Clinical application of multi-slice spiral CT in diagnosis of carotid body tumor

Objective To study the clinical value of multi-slice spiral CT(MSCT)row CT angiography(CTA)and its reconstruction techniques in the diagnosis of carotid body tumor.Methods The MSCT imaging data,including volume rendering(VR)and multiplanar(MPR)of 11 cases of carotid body tumor proven pathologically and digital signal angiography(DSA)findings of 5 cases were retrospectively analyzed.Results Each of the 11 patients had one lesion and all lesions showing the similar density to muscle on non-contrast CT were located at the bifurcation of the common carotid artery.All masses were enhanced obviously after contrast media administration,with the enlarged angle between external and internal carotid arteries and carotid arteries encircled partially or entirely by the tumor in 3 cases.MSCT angiography(MSCTA)clearly showed the relationship between mass and carotid artery.DSA findings of 5 cases were similar to that of CTA.Conclusion MSCTA has significant value in diagnosing carotid body tumor and in selecting appropriate therapy in clinic.