Objective To investigate the image (CT, MR) features of the extra-adrenal paragangliomas to improve their diagnostic accuracy. Methods 25 cases of extra-adrenal paragangliomas data were analyzed and to explore the diagnostic value of extra-adrenal paragangliomas. Results 8 cases located beside the abdomial aorta, 14 cases in the head and neck, 2 cases in abdominal organs, 2 cases in the spinal canal.The tumors were cystic and solid, with clear boundary, heterogeneous density or intensity, the solid part can be significantly enhanced after enhancement. Tumors less than 20 mm had uniform density or signal, without liquefaction, necrosis, nor calcification. Tumors larger than 20mm had different degrees of cystic degeneration, necrosis, and the cystic necrosis were more obvious if the tumor were larger, tumor larger than 100mm will combine calcification. Conclusion The CT and MRI manifestation of the extra-adrenal paragangliomas had certain characteristic, and can complement each other in the tumor location, qualitative analysis and reflex the blood supply, infiltration degree of differential diagnosis, which had important value in clinical before operation.