High resolution and dynamic sequential computed tomography. Use in the evaluation of glomus complex tumors

Computed tomography (CT) has been used to investigate the presence, site, and extent of glomus complex tumors. High resolution CT scanning can accurately evaluate invasion of cervical soft tissues, intratympanic or intracranial extension, and bony involvement of the skull base. Glomus tumors can be differentiated by CT angiographic dynamic study from most other tumors in the head and neck because of their profuse vascularity and their intense enhancement seen on dynamic CT during arterial phase. A glomus tympanicum or extension of a glomus jugulare into the hypotypanum can be best demonstrated by high resolution CT using target review image reconstruction. Glomus tumor in the middle ear can be differentiated from other masses by CT dynamic study and the computer-generated density time curves.