Middle Ear Masses Mimicking Glomus Tumors: Radiographic and Otoscopic Recognition

Abstract

A high jugular bulb, an ectopic carotid artery, and an intratympanic cholesterol granuloma may, at times, mimic a middle ear glomus tumor, otoscopically. The otoscopic and radiographic findings which differentiate these lesions include microscopic otoscopy, tomography, carotid arteriography, and retrograde jugular venography. Examples of otoscopic and radiographic findings and procedures which enable the clinician to differentiate these lesions are presented.