Clinical Insights into Glomic Artery Supplying Carotid Body Tumor: A Report of Two Cases and Literature Overview

Surgical excision of carotid body tumors still continues to be a challenge due to multiple arterial feeders leading to hypervascularity. The hypervascularity is primarily receiving blood supply from the branches of the external carotid artery (ECA). The ascending pharyngeal artery, a branch of the ECA, is the primary feeder, but other branches such as the occipital artery, superior thyroid artery, and even the internal carotid artery or vertebral artery can contribute in some cases. The glomic artery, although rare, can contribute significantly to the hypervascularity. We present the two cases of glomic artery supplying carotid body tumor. A detailed knowledge of arterial supply with the identification of rare arterial feeders such as glomic artery helps in proper planning, avoiding cerebrovascular events during preoperative embolization and reducing perioperative bleeding.