MAGNETIC-RESONANCE ANGIOGRAPHY IN NECK MASSES

Carotid MR angiography has primarily been used to evaluate for stenoti c lesions. We performed 2D time of flight MR angiography in 25 patient s with palpable neck masses. There were 23 masses confirmed histologic ally. Two of the masses represented abnormal carotid arteries. Carotid deviation was seen in 23 of 25 (92%) of patients. Widening of the car otid bifurcation was identified in seven patients, including four caro tid body tumors, one inflammatory mass, one benign salivary gland tumo r, and one schwannoma. Increased vascularity was identified in one car otid body tumor and in one metastatic papillary carcinoma of the thyro id. MR angiography may be useful to demonstrate flow within vessels an d represents a familiar imaging display for surgical planning. Splayin g of the carotid bifurcation is useful in demonstrating carotid space lesions. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.