Carotid glomus in childhood: presentation of a clinical case

Carotid glomus is an exceptional extra-adrenal paraganglioma in childhood originating at the carotid body. Only 3% of paragangliomas occur in the head and the neck. Familial forms, associated with Succinate Dehydrogenase (SDH) gene mutations, account for 10% of cases, the proportion being higher in childhood. They are benign in 95% of patients, but they can extend to both carotids. Treatment is surgical with or without previous embolization. Metastasis is rare and associated with malignant cases, which are limited.

8-year-old patient with a cervical mass originating 4 months ago and normal serum levels. Regarding family history, she had an aunt who underwent cervical surgery. Ultrasound examination demonstrated a greatly vascularized hypoechoic mass most likely related to carotid glomus. Full surgical resection without embolization was decided upon, which proved uneventful. The genetic study was positive for SDH gene mutation.

Carotid glomus in childhood should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cervical masses. Surgical treatment without previous embolization represents a safe therapeutic option in selected cases.