Magnetic resonance angiography in neck masses

Carotid MR angiography has primarily been used to evaluate for stenotic lesions. We performed 2D time of flight MR angiography in 25 patients with palpable neck masses. There were 23 masses confirmed histologically. Two of the masses represented abnormal carotid arteries. Carotid deviation was seen in 23 of 25 (92%) of patients. Widening of the carotid bifurcation was identified in seven patients, including four carotid body tumors, one inflammatory mass, one benign salivary gland tumor, and one schwannoma. Increased vascularity was identified in one carotid body tumor and in one metastatic papillary carcinoma of the thyroid. MR angiography may be useful to demonstrate flow within vessels and represents a familiar imaging display for surgical planning. Splaying of the carotid bifurcation is useful in demonstrating carotid space lesions.