RESEARCH Carotid Body Detection on CT Angiography

RESULTS: The carotid body was detected in 80% of carotid bifurcations. The normal size range measured from 1.1 to 3.9 mm 2 SDs, which is consistent with the reported values from anatomic dissections. CONCLUSIONS: An ovoid avidly enhancing structure at the inferomedial aspect of the carotid bifurcation within the above range should be considered a normal carotid body. When the carotid body measures 6 mm, a small carotid body paraganglioma should be suspected and further evaluated. ABBREVIATIONS: AP anteroposterior; CTA CT angiography