Digital subtraction angiography in the diagnosis of carotid body tumors

Abstract

In the neck region, the use of intravenous digital subtraction angiography is limited by several factors, which are specific to the technique and the region of interest, such as poor spatial resolution, motion artifacts, vascular superpositions and the large amount of contrast medium needed. Nevertheless, intravenous digital subtraction angiography provides a good alternative as a screening method in high-risk patients and in the preoperative evaluation of the major extracerebral vessels.

In the evaluation of vascular and space occupying pathology intra-arterial angiography remains necessary but digital registration allows the use of smaller catheters, less selective injections, reduced amount, concentration and injection of contrast medium and should thus replace the conventional film-screen combination in nearly all circumstances.

The advantages and disadvantages of conventional and digital subtraction angiography in the diagnosis of carotid body tumors are discussed and illustrated in four patients.