Glomus Jugulare

Findings:
A strongly enhancing mass is present in the region of the left jugular foramen, which exhibits heterogenous signal characteristics and signal voids consistent with vascularity.

Differential Diagnosis:
Glomus jugulare, metastasis, schwannoma, neurofibroma, meningioma.

Discussion:
Glomus Jugulare comprises approximately 90% of primary tumors involving the jugular foramen. Flow voids are characteristic, with a "salt and pepper" appearance and possible erosion of the jugular spine. Attenuation and signal characteristics are nonspecific isodense CT/strong enhancement CT+MR/hypo T1/hyper T2. The lesions are markedly hypervascular on conventional angiography and preoperative embolization can be performed. Arterial feeders are primarily ECA branches including posterior occipital, ascending pharyngeal, and posterior meningeal. They resemble pheochromocytoma histologically, but there is no association with NF or MEN, and endocrine symptoms are uncommon. Recurrence is common, occuring in up to 50% of cases (less for other glomus tumors).

reference: Osborn, A; Tong, K. Handbook of Neuroradiology: Brain and Skull 2nd ed. 1996: Mosby Year Book pp. 318-19.

BACK TO MAIN PAGE