Methods and values of digital subtraction angiography in carotid body tumor

Objective To investigate the methods, manifestations and values of preoperative digital subtraction angiography(DSA) in carotid body tumor(CBT). Methods Preoperative DSA were accepted in 5 cases with CBT, including bilateral common carotid artery angiography, selective internal carotid artery angiography and vertebral arteries angiography,of which 4 cases underwent cross angiography of Matas-test. All tumors were resected after angiography. The tumors were simply resected in 3 cases of them, the internal carotid artery was repaired after tumorectomy in 1 case, and the tumor, combined with carotid artery in 1 case, was resected. Results All the 5 cases with CBT exhibited typical manifestations in DSA. The DSA character of CBT showed expending of carotid artery bifurcation, ample blood perfusion, and carotid arteries encircled partially or entirely by the tumor. The branch of vertebral artery participate in tumor blood-supplying in 1 case, and arteriovenous fistula was observed in 1 case. Dysplasia of anterior cerebral artery horizontal segment was observed in 1 case by internal carotid angiography. Circle of Willis showed sufficient compensation through Matas test in 2 cases, and opened after 2 weeks training in 1 case. In one case effective compensation could not be founded because of the dysplasia of anterior cerebral artery horizontal segment. Conclusion The CBT showed characteristic manifestation in DSA. Preoperative angiography is irreplaceable for judgment to the connection between the tumor and the carotid arteries, development and compensation of cerebral arteries, and tolerance of brain tissue after carotid artery occlusion. It is helpful for the evaluation of the risk of operation and protocols.