Technique

Patients, n (%)

Comments

US and Doppler neck exam

7 (100)

It was accurate in (n = 6, 85.7%) of cases. One case of CBT was falsely diagnosed as an enlarged lymph node.

CT scan of the neck with iv contrast (Figure 4)

2 (28.6)

It provided more detailed description of the tumour extent, encasement of carotid arteries and local invasion.

MRI of the neck

0 (0)

It was the least used imaging method despite its well-known advantages.

Carotid arteriography

5 (71.4)

It used to be the gold standard test for CBT. It has merits and demerits.

Conventional angiography

3 (42.6)

CT angiography (Figure 5)

2 (28.6)

FNAC

0 (0)

Incisional biopsy

1 (14.3)

It was risky.

Serum or urinary catecholamine assay

0 (0)

It was not done, although it was indicated particularly in the hypertensive patient.

Routine blood tests

7 (100)

CBC, FBS, BU, S. Creatinine, bleeding and clotting times, and virology studies.