Preoperative Super-Selective Embolization of Carotid Body Tumor and Multidisciplinary Approach

A carotid body tumor (CBT) is a rare highly vascular tumor. Therefore, the assessment of the tumor’s vessels preoperatively is significant to decrease the risk of vascular complications intraoperatively. We report a case of carotid body tumor in a 40-year-old female who presented with a headache and a pulsatile right neck mass. She underwent computed tomography (CT), which demonstrated a well-circumscribed tumor mass measuring 3 X 2.7 X 3.6 cm. Preoperatively, selective embolization was performed in which Onyx 18 (Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland) and precipitating hydrophobic injectable liquid (PHIL) 25% (Microvention Inc, California) were used, and that achieved 95% embolization of tumor blood supply. One day after embolization, complete surgical resection was done by a multidisciplinary team.