DSA diagnosis of carotid body tumor

Objective:To make a further understanding of the DSA features of the carotid body tumor (CBT) and to explore the value of DSA for diagnosis and interventional treatment of the tumor.Methods:Twelve cases of CBT with DSA data were analyzed retrospectively.The DSA appearances in all patients were observed in a double blinded manner by two experienced radiologists together and a consensus interpretation was formed.Results:DSA can 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 was supplied by external carotid arteries in most cases and there was significant increase of blood supply of the tumor;invasion of internal or external carotid arteries in 6 cases.The tumor staining reduced in extent after the supplying arteris were embolized in 2 cases,and the bleeding during the operation reduced significantly.Conclusion:DSA is useful in the diagnosis of the CBT and for therapeutic planning.The pre operative embolization of the CBT contributes to reduce the bleeding during operation.