Summary: Due to the relatively low incidence of paragangliomas the problem of their diagnosis is discussed relatively rarely. The submitted paper is divided into two parts: in the first one the classification of chemodectomas in relation to site is mentioned and with regard to the clinical picture. In the second part the authors present different examination and diagnostic methods. In addition to the case-history and clinical picture the authors discuss the advantages and pitfalls of imaging methods, such as ultrasonography angiography, CT, nuclear MR, whole-body scintigraphy using meta-iodobenzylguanidine, and positron emission tomography. In conjunction with possible endocrine activity of paragangliomas the authors mention examination of catecholamines and their degradation products.

        Key words: paragangliomas, classification, diagnosis, ultrasonography, angiography, CT, MRI, MIBG, PET, catecholamine screening.