Presentation
Left-sided cervical painless swelling.
Patient Data
There is a well-defined intensely enhancing mass in the left carotid space, displacing the internal, and external carotid arteries anteriorly, and internal jugular vein posterolaterally. It does not widen the carotid bifurcation.
On MRI sequences, the mass appears well-encapsulated of intermediate signal intensity on T1WI, intermediate to high signal on T2WI with multiple flow voids giving a salt and pepper appearance. The postcontrast dynamic sequence shows an intense enhancement.
Case Discussion
CT and MRI features are suggestive of a vagal paraganglioma (previously known as glomus vagale tumors).
In such location the differential includes: