Jugulotympanic paragangliomas (previously known as glomus jugulotympanicum tumors) are jugular paragangliomas that have spread superiorly to involve the middle ear cavity. The term can also be used clinically when a suspected tympanic paraganglioma involves the hypotympanum as its inferior extent cannot be established clinically 1.
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Terminology
The term "glomus" was historically used to describe certain types of neuroendocrine tumors arising from paraganglia. The term is, however, imprecise and can be confused with the glomus bodies and tumors that arise from them. It can also be mixed up with glomus tumors of the subcutaneous skin, also referred to as glomangioma.
Practical points
As tympanic paraganglioma usually does not erode the floor of the middle ear, jugulotympanic paraganglioma should be the main consideration under these circumstances 2.