Multimodality imaging of paragangliomas of the head and neck

Paragangliomas arise from paraganglion cells which serve varied regulatory tasks in the body. When these cells demonstrate neoplasia within the head and neck, they typically present in characteristic locations including the carotid space, the jugular foramen, the middle ear, and along the course of the vagus nerve. The goal of this article is to review the relevant anatomy related to head and neck paragangliomas, as well as their typical imaging characteristics on cross-sectional imaging including CT, MR, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine studies. Additionally, differential considerations, as well as relevant involvement of adjacent structures which should be conveyed to the clinician, will be discussed.