Usual and unusual causes of splaying of the carotid artery bifurcation: the Lyre sign--a pictorial review.
The 'Lyre' sign describes the characteristic splaying of the carotid artery bifurcation due to a carotid body tumour (paraganglioma) on conventional carotid angiography. In this pictorial review, we describe and illustrate two cases demonstrating the equivalent Lyre sign on multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) and ultrasound resulting from carotid body tumour and extra-cranial internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm. Both of these pathologies can manifest acutely and warrant accurate diagnosis to prevent potential catastrophic consequences. We also emphasise the added value of MDCT in making a definitive diagnosis and discuss other differential considerations splaying the carotid bifurcation.
Venkatanarasimha
Nanda
N
Department of Radiology, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK. nandashettykv@yahoo.com
Olubaniyi
Babajide
B
Freeman
Simon J
SJ
Suresh
Priya
P
D000368:Aged; D017536:Carotid Artery, Common / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000494:pharmacology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D003287:Contrast Media