Vagal Paraganglioma of Neck Mimicking Carotid Body Tumor: Clues to Differentiate on Imaging

Paragangliomas of the head and neck can arise in many locations along the carotid sheath and middle ear. A hypervascular tumor in relation to the major cervical vessels can be either a carotid body tumor or vagal paraganglioma. Carotid bifurcation separation is a characteristic feature of carotid body tumours. We present a case of vagal paraganglioma of the neck, causing carotid bifurcation separation similar to that of a carotid body tumor. In this case report, we highlight the imaging features that can differentiate these two paragangliomas in such a confusing situation.