Splaying of the carotid bifurcation caused by a cervical sympathetic chain schwannoma
Journal
Annals of Otology, Rhinology and Laryngology
Journal Volume
113
Journal Issue
9
Pages
696-699
Date Issued
2004
Author(s)
Abstract
Splaying of the carotid bifurcation revealed by an imaging study is usually indicative of a carotid body tumor, but there are other possibilities. To promote awareness of a cervical sympathetic chain schwannoma as another cause of splaying of the carotid bifurcation, we present a case of cervical sympathetic chain schwannoma, with an additional 7 cases in the English-language literature, and discuss the relationship between the great vessels of the neck and a carotid body tumor or a schwannoma of the cervical sympathetic chain or vagus nerve from an anatomic viewpoint. We conclude that splaying of the carotid bifurcation with hypervascularity suggests a carotid body tumor, whereas in cases without hypervascularity, a cervical sympathetic chain schwannoma is another possibility. Vagus nerve schwannomas can separate the internal jugular vein and internal carotid artery, but seldom widen the carotid bifurcation.
Publisher
Annals Publishing Company
Type
journal article