Carotid chemodectoma in the otorhinolaryngological practice: a clinical case

Aim. To describe a clinical case of carotid chemodectoma in a patient seeking treatment from an otorhinolaryngologist.

Results. A 79-year-old woman complained of sore throat and difficulty swallowing. Mesopharyngoscopy revealed a significant asymmetry of the pharynx on the right with a sagging soft palate. Computed tomography revealed the asymmetry of the pharynx on the right due to compression from outside. An irregularly shaped formation intensely accumulating contrast medium was detected in the periopharyngeal space on the right, near the bifurcation of the carotid artery. Carotid chemodectoma was suspected. The patient underwent surgical removal of the chemodectoma followed by the autoarterial reconstruction of the carotid artery on the right. The postoperative period was uneventful.

Conclusion. The management of patients with carotid chemodectoma requires an interdisciplinary approach with participation of vascular surgeons, otorhinolaryngologists and radiologists. This approach ensures timely surgical treatment leading to complete recovery without neurological consequences and profuse blood loss. The disease can be mistaken for a peritonsillar abscess with the possibility of serious complications during surgical treatment.