Multiparametric ultrasound evaluation of a case of bilateral carotid body tumor

Paragangliomas are a rare form of highly vascularized tumors that originate from paraganglia Baysal (J Med Genet 39: 617–622, 2002). In the head and neck PGL arise primarily in four distinct areas: vagal, middle ear, and larynx and more frequently carotid bifurcation. Imaging evaluations include sonography, color Doppler, US-elastosonography and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Additionally, Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as well as digital subtraction angiography can be performed Stoeckli et al. (Laryngoscope 112: 143–146, 2002). We present herein a case of a rare bilateral carotid body tumor assessed with multiparametric ultrasound evaluation, including CEUS and US-elastography.