Successful treatment of glomus jugulare tumours with gamma knife radiosurgery: clinical and physical aspects of management and review of the literature

Gamma Knife radiosurgery for the management of glomus jugulare tumors: A systematic review and report of the experience of a radioneurosurgery unit in Latin America

Background

Glomus jugulare tumors (GJTs) are rare and mainly affect women between the 5th and 6th decades of life. Its localization and anatomic relationships make conventional surgical treatment difficult and with a considerable risk of complications. This manuscript aims to describe the results of Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKR) in patients with GJT treated in a single center in Latin America, as well as to systematically review the literature to determine the clinical and radiological effectiveness of this technique.

Methods

A search of information from January 1995 to June 2023 was performed. Twenty-two articles reporting 721 GJT patients treated with GKR were included in the study. Variables such as symptomatic control, control of tumor size, and complications were evaluated. These variables were described using measures of central tendency and proportions. For the institutional experience, 77 patients with GJT tumors were included in the study. Pre-treatment clinical variables and follow-up data were collected from medical charts and phone interviews. The Short Form-36 scale was applied to assess the quality of life. The data were analyzed using the statistical program STATA17.0.

Results

A total of 721 patients were considered. The median of patients included in these studies was 18.5. The mean age was 58.4 years. The median of symptom control was 89%, and the median of imaging control was 95.7%. In our institution, 77 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 53.2 years. The median hospital stay was 4.92 hours. For the clinical follow-up, information on 47 patients was obtained. An improvement in pre-treatment symptoms was described in 58%, with general symptomatic control of 97%. The tumor-control rate was 95%, and there were statistically significant differences in six of the nine Short Form-36 scale domains.

Conclusion

GKR is an effective, safe, and cost-effective technique that offers a high degree of symptomatic and tumor size control in patients with GJT.

Transcanal Endoscopic Management of Middle Ear Paragangliomas

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical and audiological outcomes of transcanal endoscopic resection of middle ear paragangliomas.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective multicenter study.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center and private otology clinic.

PATIENTS

Patients who underwent transcanal endoscopic surgery between January 2015 and September 2020.

INTERVENTIONS

Transcanal endocope-assisted resection of middle ear paragangliomas.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Demographic data.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients (2 men, 21 women) with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 50.5 (11.8) years and stage 1 or 2 disease were included in the study. The mean follow-up time was 2.7 years (range, 1-5 yr). Preoperatively, the mean (SD) air-conduction threshold was 33.8 (17.9) dB, and the mean (SD) air-bone gap was 13.1 (13.9) dB. Postoperatively, the mean (SD) air-conduction threshold was 25.7 (10.2) dB, the mean (SD) air-bone gap was 6.3 (6.1) dB. The mean (SD) hospital stay was 27.7 (9.9) hours. No tumor regrowth was detected on magnetic resonance imaging during postoperative follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic transcanal tumor resection is effective and feasible in the treatment of stage 1 and 2 tumors and is associated with short operative time, low risk of perioperative and postoperative complications, and rapid discharge.

Clinical consensus guideline on the management of phaeochromocytoma and paraganglioma in patients harbouring germline SDHD pathogenic variants

Patients with germline SDHD pathogenic variants (encoding succinate dehydrogenase subunit D; ie, paraganglioma 1 syndrome) are predominantly affected by head and neck paragangliomas, which, in almost 20% of patients, might coexist with paragangliomas arising from other locations (eg, adrenal medulla, para-aortic, cardiac or thoracic, and pelvic). Given the higher risk of tumour multifocality and bilaterality for phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) because of SDHD pathogenic variants than for their sporadic and other genotypic counterparts, the management of patients with SDHD PPGLs is clinically complex in terms of imaging, treatment, and management options. Furthermore, locally aggressive disease can be discovered at a young age or late in the disease course, which presents challenges in balancing surgical intervention with various medical and radiotherapeutic approaches. The axiom-first, do no harm-should always be considered and an initial period of observation (ie, watchful waiting) is often appropriate to characterise tumour behaviour in patients with these pathogenic variants. These patients should be referred to specialised high-volume medical centres. This consensus guideline aims to help physicians with the clinical decision-making process when caring for patients with SDHD PPGLs.

Neurosurgical Causes of Pulsatile Tinnitus: Contemporary Update

Traditionally in the domain of the otolaryngologist, pulsatile tinnitus (PT) has become increasingly relevant to neurosurgeons. PT may prove to be a harbinger of life-threatening pathology; however, often, it is a marker of a more benign process. Irrespectively, the neurosurgeon should be familiar with the many potential etiologies of this unique and challenging patient population. In this review, we discuss the myriad causes of PT, categorized by pulse-phase rhythmicity.

Long-Term Results of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Glomus Tumors: An Analysis of 32 Patients

Background Glomus jugulare tumors are rare slow-growing hypervascular tumors that arise from the paraganglia of the chemoreceptor system within the jugulare foramen of the temporal lobe. The historical standard treatment has been surgical resection, but because of their high vascularity and involvement with cranial nerves (CNs), Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) has been advocated as an alternative. The goal of this study is to update and report long-term results of GKRS to achieve local control and symptomatic improvement and to reduce morbidity and mortality when treating glomus jugulare tumors. Materials and Methods This study retrospectively collected and reviewed clinical and radiographic data of 32 patients with glomus jugulare tumors treated with GKRS at the Miami Neuroscience Center, South Miami, FL, from 1995 to 2019. For the 32 patients, the mean volume treated was 13.9 cc (0.23 to 40.0 cc), with an average of 8.6 isocenters. The median prescription dose was 12.84 Gy ± 2.07 Gy (range: 10-20 Gy). Follow-up data were available for 29 out of 32 patients, with a median clinical follow-up time of 37.3 months (range: 4.3-169.1 months). At follow-up, patients were evaluated for neurological signs and symptoms and radiographic evidence of progression of disease. Results The median age of the cohort treated with GKRS was 60 years (range: 14-83 years). There were three males and 27 females. Presenting symptomatology was available for 30 out of 32 patients. The most common presenting symptom was hearing loss (21/30) and the most common CN deficit was in CN VIII (19/30). Out of 29 of the patients followed up, 28 patients had improvement (20/29) or resolution (8/29) of symptoms. At the most recent evaluation or contact, patients were without symptomatic progression of CN deficits. Radiographic tumor control was achieved in 28 out of 29 patients. One patient had a recurrence seven years after GKRS, which was treated with surgery. There were no complications, radionecrosis, or mortality reported from GKRS. Conclusion These data confirm that GKRS is a reasonable upfront treatment option for glomus jugulare tumors. GKRS should be considered more frequently given its excellent long-term local control with low morbidity and risk of complications.

Image-guided robotic radiosurgery for glomus jugulare tumors-Multicenter experience and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Glomus jugulare tumors (GJTs) are challenging to treat due to their vascularization and location. This analysis evaluates the effectiveness and safety of image-guided robotic radiosurgery (RRS) for GJTs in a multicenter study and reviews the existing radiosurgical literature.

METHODS

We analyzed outcome data from 101 patients to evaluate local control (LC), changes in pretreatment deficits, and toxicity. Moreover, radiosurgical studies for GJTs have been reviewed.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 35 months, the overall LC was 99%. Eighty-eight patients were treated with a single dose, 13 received up to 5 fractions. The median tumor volume was 5.6 cc; the median treatment dose for single-session treatments is 16 Gy, and for multisession treatments is 21 Gy. Fifty-six percentage of patients experienced symptom improvement or recovered entirely.

CONCLUSIONS

RRS is an effective primary and secondary treatment option for GJTs. The available literature suggests that radiosurgery is a treatment option for most GJTs.

Stereotactic radiosurgery for head and neck paragangliomas: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Head and neck paragangliomas (HNPs) are rare, usually benign hyper vascularized neuroendocrine tumors that traditionally have been treated by surgery, with or without endovascular embolization, or, more recently stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). The aim of our study is to determine the clinical and radiographic effectiveness of SRS for treatment of HNPs. A systematic search of electronic databases was performed, and 37 articles reporting 11,174 patients (1144 tumors) with glomus jugulare (GJT: 993, 86.9%), glomus tympanicum (GTT: 94, 8.2%), carotid body tumors (CBTs: 28, 2.4%), and glomus vagale (GVT: 16, 1.4%) treated with SRS definitively or adjuvantly were included. The local control (LC) was estimated from the pooled analysis of the series, and its association with SRS technique as well as demographic and clinical factors was analyzed. The median age was 56 years (44-69 years). With a median clinical and radiological follow-up of 44 months (9-161 months), LC was 94.2%. Majority of the patients (61.0%) underwent Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GKS), but there was no statistically significant difference in LC depending upon the SRS technique (p = 0.9). Spearmen's correlation showed that LC was strongly and negatively correlated with multiple parameters, which included female gender (r = - 0.4, p = 0.001), right-sided tumor (r = - 0.3, p = 0.03), primary SRS (r = - 0.5, p ≤ 0.001), and initial clinical presentation of hearing loss (r = - 0.4, p = 0.001). To achieve a LC ≥ 90%, a median marginal dose (Gy) of 15 (range, 12-30 Gy) was required. The results corroborate that SRS in HNPs is associated with good clinical and radiological outcome.

LINAC radiosurgery for glomus jugulare tumors: retrospective - cohort study of 23 patients

BACKGROUND

Glomus jugulare tumors (GJTs) are uncommon and locally disruptive tumors that usually arise within the jugular foramen of the temporal bone. Surgery was the treatment of choice up until recently. In the last decades, however, radiosurgery has surfaced as a promising alternative treatment by providing excellent tumor control with low risk of cranial nerve injuries. Our aim was to examine the results of radiosurgery specifically, linear accelerator stereotactic radiosurgery (LINAC SRS) for GJT treatment. We hypothesized that radiosurgery will reduce the size of the tumor and improve neurological symptoms.

DESIGN AND METHOD

Between January 1, 1994 and December 31, 2013, 30 patients with GJTs were treated in Sheba Medical Center using LINAC SRS treatment. Comprehensive clinical follow-up was available for 23 patients. Sixteen patients were female and seven males with a median age of 64 years, with a range of 18-87 years. In 19 of the patients, LINAC SRS was the primary treatment, whereas in the remaining four cases, surgery or embolization preceded radiosurgery. The median treated dose to tumor margin was 14 Gy (range 12-27 Gy), and the median tumor volume before treatment was 5 ml (range 0.5-15 ml).

RESULTS

Following the LINAC SRS treatment, 14 of 23 patients (60%) showed improvement of previous neurological deficits, nine patients (40%) remained unchanged. At the end of a follow-up, tumor reduction was seen in 13 patients and a stable volume in eight (91% tumor control rate). Two cases of tumor progression were noted. Three patients (13%) had post- SRS complications during the follow-up, two of which achieved tumor control, while in one the tumor advanced.

CONCLUSIONS

LINAC SRS is a practical treatment option for GJTs, with a high rate of tumor control and satisfactory neurological improvement.

Proton therapy for head and neck paragangliomas: A single institutional experience

BACKGROUND

Although slow growing, head and neck paragangliomas (HNPG) can cause significant morbidity. We evaluated the efficacy of proton therapy in the management of HNPG.

METHODS

Retrospective review of an institutional proton therapy experience of treating patients between 1997 and 2016; 37 patients and 40 tumors were included.

RESULTS

Proton therapy was delivered to a median of 50.4 Gy(RBE) (range: 45-68). Having a genetic/family predisposition for HNPG was associated with multifocal tumors (P = .02) and younger diagnosis age (P = .02). Twenty-six (70%) patients had symptom improvement posttreatment, and 65% of treated tumors showed ≥20% volumetric shrinkage. The 5-year recurrence-free and overall survival rates were both 97%. Grade 2 to grade 3 toxicities (54%) included subjective hearing impairment (19%), middle ear inflammation (14%), and dry mouth (8%). There were no grade 4-5 toxicities.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with HNPGs can be effectively and safely treated with proton therapy with excellent tumor control, successful volumetric tumor reduction, and symptomatic improvement.

Gamma Knife radiosurgery for glomus tumors: Long-term results in a series of 30 patients

BACKGROUND

Glomus tumors are rare and benign hypervascular tumors. Surgery represented the mainstay of their treatment, even if it has been associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Recently, the treatment shifted to a multimodal approach and Gamma Knife radiosurgery represents one of the treatment options.

METHODS

Authors retrospectively analyzed the clinical and radiological outcome of a series of patients who underwent Gamma Knife radiosurgery for glomus tumors.

RESULTS

Thirty patients underwent Gamma Knife radiosurgery. Mean tumor volume was 7.69 cc (range 0.36-24.6). Mean tumor margin dose was 16 Gy (range 13-18). Median follow-up was of 91 months (mean 90; range 11-172). Overall clinical control rate was 100%; overall volumetric tumor control rate was 96.6%. Patients' and tumors' characteristics, treatment data, and outcome have been analyzed.

CONCLUSION

Gamma Knife radiosurgery represents a safe and effective treatment for glomus tumors. Longer follow-up and larger cohort studies are needed to definitively outline the role of Gamma Knife radiosurgery for glomus tumors.

Long-term effectiveness and safety of stereotactic gamma knife surgery as a primary sole treatment in the management of glomus jagulare tumor

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to report and confirm long-term effectiveness and safety of stereotactic Gamma Knife Surgery as a primary sole treatment in the management of 40 glomus jagulare tumors patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of clinical and radiological outcomes of 40 GJTs consecutive patients treated with GKS as primary sole treatment at International Medical Center (IMC), Cairo-Egypt from the beginning of 2005 till the end of 2014,with mean follow-up period of 84 months (range 36-156 months), mean tumor volume was 6.5 cc, and mean peripheral radiation dose of 15 Gy, to mean isodose curve of 38%.

RESULTS

The most common neurological deficit at initial evaluation was bulbar symptoms in 24 patients, followed by pulsatile tinnitus in 22, deterioration of hearing in 20 patients. The overall clinical control achieved in 92.5% of patients, while actuarial tumor size control rate post- GKS was 97.5% at 3 years, 97% at 5 years and 92% at 10 years of follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Gamma knife surgery could be used effectively and safely as a primary sole treatment tool in the management of glomus jugulare tumors.

Treatment Outcomes for Single Modality Management of Glomus Jugulare Tumors With Stereotactic Radiosurgery

OBJECTIVES

The objectives were to evaluate the audiological outcomes, response of symptoms, and response of tumor volume in patients with glomus jugulare tumors treated solely with single fraction gamma knife radiosurgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Single institution retrospective review.

SETTING

Academic, tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS

The diagnosis code for glomus jugulare was used to identify patients. Only those who underwent gamma knife radiosurgery were included. Those previously treated with any modality were excluded. A total of 12 patients were included for the tumor response and symptom response data and 7 of those were included in the audiometric analysis.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

Audiometric data at most recent follow-up compared with presentation, subjective improvement in pulsatile tinnitus, and change in tumor volume at most recent follow-up compared with pretreatment.

RESULTS

The average time to most recent follow-up was 27.6 months. There was no significant change in pure-tone average or word recognition. Pulsatile tinnitus completely resolved or improved in 80% of patients. Cranial neuropathies were stable or improved. A single patient experienced facial nerve paresis 2 years after treatment, which resolved with steroid treatment. Tumor control was 100% and the average change in tumor volume was a decrease of 37%.

CONCLUSION

Single modality gamma knife radiosurgery treatment of glomus jugulare tumors seems to be safe. Treatment results in decreased tumor volume and improved pulsatile tinnitus in most patients. There was no significant progression of hearing loss after treatment. Lower cranial nerve function remains stable in all patients.

Stereotactic Radiosurgical Treatment of Glomus Jugulare Tumors

OBJECTIVE

Determine treatment outcomes of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for glomus jugulare tumors (GJT), focusing on three-dimensional volume change and symptoms before and after SRS, as well as complications related to SRS.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case review.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS

Thirty-eight patients treated with SRS between 2000 and 2015.

INTERVENTION

SRS treatment of GJT.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The tumor volumes on pre- and posttreatment imaging were compared utilizing the Leskell GammaPlan treatment plan software to assess tumor progression. Pre- and posttreatment symptoms, Fisch classification, and complications were recorded.

RESULTS

The mean radiographic follow-up was 39.1 months. The mean dose-to-tumor margin was 13.2 Gy. The mean tumor size at treatment was 5.8 and 5.2 cm at last follow-up. Thirty-three patients had follow-up imaging suitable for analysis. When defining both 10 and 15% tumor size increases as significant, 27 (82%) and 29 (88%) tumors decreased in size or remained stable, respectively. For the seven tumors with documented pre-SRS growth, treatment success was 86%. The mean marginal dose for treatment success and failure were 13.2 and 13.7 Gy, respectively. Patients receiving a higher margin dose had a greater risk of tumor progression (p = 0.0277). Fisch classification did not impact tumor progression rate. Initial tumor volume had no significance on tumor response to SRS.

CONCLUSIONS

SRS is an effective treatment option for GJT. Both initial tumor volume and Fisch classification did not impact tumor progression. There were no significant patient or lesion characteristics that distinguished treatment success and/or failure.

Clinical characteristics and surgical treatment of spinal paraganglioma: A case series of 18 patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Paraganglioma rarely develops in the spine. With few cases reported, little knowledge about this disease was known. The objective of this study is to illustrate the clinical features, imaging manifestations, pathological appearances and long-term outcomes of the consecutive surgeries by literature review.

METHODS

The clinical and follow-up data of 18 patients who were diagnosed of spinal paraganglioma and treated with surgeries in our hospitals from 2003 to 2014 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULT

A total of fourteen patients radiographed of intra-spinal tumor underwent extra-capsular tumor resection. Of five patients with obvious vertebral bone damage, four cases underwent piecemeal resection, and the left one with sacral tumor underwent en bloc tumor excision. Spinal reconstruction was performed in all cases. Follow-up lasted for 16-96 months (44.1 months on average). There was no local recurrence or distant metastasis in cases without obvious bone invasion. Of those five cases with vertebral bone damage, one case suffered and survived from the repeat relapse of T1 vertebral body tumor. Local recurrence was not observed in one case with T10 vertebral tumor after tumor resection, but the tumor metastasized to T2 attachment during the follow-up and was finally eradicated by re-operation. No tumor recurrence was observed in the left three cases.

CONCLUSION

Paraganglioma, usually benign, rarely occurs. Surgical resection, especially complete surgical resection, is preferred to treat spinal paraganglioma. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, use of octreotide and other somatostatin are selected as adjuvant therapies, but their effects remain unknown.

Less-aggressive surgical management and long-term outcomes of jugular foramen paragangliomas: a neurosurgical perspective

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to analyze the neurological functional outcome and recurrent risks in surgically treated jugular foramen paragangliomas (JFPs) and to propose an individualized therapeutic strategy. METHODS Clinical charts and radiological information were reviewed retrospectively in 51 consecutive cases of JFPs. Less-aggressive surgical interventions were adopted with the goal of preserving neurovascular structures. Scheduled follow-up was performed. RESULTS The mean age of the patients in the cases reviewed was 41.6 years, and the group included 27 females (52.9%). The mean preoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score was 78.4. The mean lesion size was 3.8 cm. Forty-three cases (84.3%) were Fisch Type D, including 37 cases (72.5%) of Type Di1 and Di2. Thirty-seven cases (72.5%) were Glasscock-Jackson Type III-IV. Gross-total resection and subtotal resection were achieved in 26 (51.0%) and 22 (43.1%) cases, respectively. Surgical morbidities occurred in 23 patients (45.1%), without surgery-related mortality after the first operation. The mean postoperative KPS scores at discharge, 3 months, 1 year, and most recent evaluation were 71.8, 77.2, 83.2, and 79.6, respectively. The mean follow-up duration was 85.7 months. The tumor recurrence/regrowth (R/R) rate was 11.8%. Compared with preoperative status, swallowing function improved or stabilized in 96.1% and facial function improved or stabilized in 94.1% of patients. A House-Brackmann scale Grade I/II was achieved in 43 patients (84.3%). Overall neurological status improved or stabilized in 90.0% of patients. Pathological mitosis (HR 10.640, p = 0.009) was the most significant risk for tumor R/R. A 1-year increase in age (OR 1.115, p = 0.037) and preoperative KPS score < 80 (OR 11.071, p = 0.018) indicated a risk for recent poor neurological function (KPS < 80). Overall R/R-free survival, symptom progression-free survival, and overall survival at 15 years were 78.9%, 86.8%, and 80.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Surgical outcomes for JFPs were acceptable using a less-aggressive surgical strategy. Most patients could adapt to surgical morbidities and carry out normal life activities. Preserving neurological function was a priority, and maximal decompression with or without radiotherapy was desirable to preserve a patient's quality of life when radical resection was not warranted. Early surgery plus preoperative devascularization was proposed, and radiotherapy was mandatory for lesions with pathological mitosis.

Stereotactic radiosurgery of glomus jugulare tumors: current concepts, recent advances and future perspectives

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), a very highly focused form of therapeutic irradiation, has been widely recognized as a viable treatment option in the management of intracranial pathologies including benign tumors, malign tumors, vascular malformations and functional disorders. The applications of SRS are continuously expanding thanks to the ever-increasing advances and corresponding improvements in neuroimaging, radiation treatment techniques, equipment, treatment planning and delivery systems. In the context of glomus jugulare tumors (GJT), SRS is being more increasingly used both as the upfront management modality or as a complementary or salvage treatment option. As its safety and efficacy is being evident with compiling data from studies with longer follow-up durations, SRS appears to take the lead in the management of most patients with GJT. Herein, we address current concepts, recent advances and future perspectives in SRS of GJT in light of the literature.

Clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of primary spinal paragangliomas

Spinal paragangliomas are extremely rare tumors, most frequently involving the cauda equina and the filum terminale. We aimed to investigate the clinical manifestations, radiological features, management, and follow-up data of primary spinal paraganglioma. We present the clinical data and long-term outcomes from a consecutive surgical series of 19 patients with pathologically diagnosed spinal paragangliomas. All of the patients had undergone surgical resection. Pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging was performed and follow-up data and neurological functional assessment are presented and discussed. The mean age at diagnosis was 47.7 years, with a significant male predominance. The primary clinical symptoms were low back pain and sciatica. Magnetic resonance images (MRI) showed characteristic signs that help differentiate paragangliomas from other spinal tumors, including a "salt & pepper" sign, serpiginous flow void, and a peripheral hypointense rim. Also, a well-encapsulated appearance can be found intraoperatively. During a mean follow-up period of 62.1 months, remnant tumor progression was noted on MRI in three patients with incomplete resection. Pain symptoms were relieved immediately after surgical intervention, while motor and sphincter dysfunction were much slower to improve. Differential diagnosis of paraganglioma based on MR images alone is challenging, but the presence of specific characteristic features provides suggestive clues; however, accurate diagnosis depends on pathological criteria. Despite the benign course, gross total resection is ideal, given an increased risk of recurrence in situ. Timely recognition and surgical treatment should be emphasized to avoid progressive neurological deficits.

Stereotactic radiation therapy for skull base recurrences: Is a salvage approach still possible?

AIM

A literature review was performed to analyse the role of stereotactic radiotherapy given in a single shot or in a fractionated fashion for recurrent skull base tumours in order to ascertain if it can be a real salvage approach.

BACKGROUND

The management of recurrent skull base tumours can have a curative or palliative intent and mainly includes surgery and RT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One-thousand-ninety-one articles were found in the search databases and the most relevant of them were analysed and briefly described.

RESULTS

Data on recurrences of meningioma, pituitary adenoma, craniopharyngioma, chordoma and chondrosarcoma, vestibular schwannoma, glomus jugulare tumours, olfactory neuroblastoma and recurrences from head and neck tumours invading the base of skull are reported highlighting the most relevant results in terms of local control, survival, side effects and complications.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, it emerges that SRS and FSRT are effective and safe radiation modalities of realize real salvage treatment for recurrent skull base tumours.

Jugulotympanic paragangliomas treated with Gamma Knife radiosurgery: a single-center review of 58 cases

OBJECT

Jugulotympanic paragangliomas (JTPs) are rare benign tumors whose surgical treatment is usually associated with partial resection of the lesion, high morbidity, and even death. Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) has been reported as a useful treatment option. The goal of this retrospective study is to analyze the role of GKRS in tumor volume control and clinical outcomes of these patients.

METHODS

A total of 75 patients with JTPs were treated with GKRS at the authors' center from 1995 to 2012. The authors analyzed those treated during this period to allow for a minimal observation time of 2 years. The MR images and clinical reports of these patients were reviewed to assess clinical and volumetric outcomes of the tumors. The radiological and clinical assessments, along with a group of prognostic factors measured, were analyzed using descriptive methods. The time to volumetric and clinical progression was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Prognostic factors were identified using log-rank statistics and multivariate Cox regression models.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 86.4 months. The authors observed volumetric tumor control in 94.8% of cases. In 67.2% of cases, tumor volume decreased by a mean of 40.1% from the original size. Of patients with previous tinnitus, 54% reported complete recovery. Improvement of other symptoms was observed in 34.5% of cases. Overall, clinical control was achieved in 91.4% of cases. Previous embolization and familial history of paraganglioma were selected as significant prognostic factors for volumetric response to GKRS treatment in the univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, no factors were significantly correlated with progression-free survival. No patient died of side effects related to GKRS treatment or tumor progression.

CONCLUSIONS

Gamma Knife radiosurgery is an effective, safe, and efficient therapeutic option for the treatment of these tumors as a first-line treatment or in conjunction with traditional surgery, endovascular treatment, or conventional fractionated radiotherapy.

Current and future trends in the anatomical and functional imaging of head and neck paragangliomas

Head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGLs) account for approximately 3% of all paragangliomas (PGLs). Most often, HNPGLs are benign, nonsecreting, and slowly progressing. The initial physical examination and biochemical diagnosis usually adds very little to the proper diagnosis of these tumors, and, therefore, radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians play a pivotal role in providing the initial diagnosis, the locoregional staging, and the plan for detecting potential multicentric or metastatic lesions. Based on several current studies, the most accurate use of HNPGL-specific initial and subsequent imaging modalities must be guided by the knowledge of genetics and the specifically measured biochemical profile of these tumors for the proper management of these patients. Thus, this short review article presents the application of the most up-to-date anatomical and functional imaging approaches to HNPGLs tightly linked to the clinical management of these patients. Based on the most recent studies, 18F-FDOPA PET/CT has been shown to be a useful addition to anatomical imaging in the preoperative localization and molecular assessment of HNPGLs. It is estimated that the frequency of metabolically active PGLs on 18F-FDOPA PET/CT in this region is higher than 90%. For patients with hereditary PGL syndromes, (18)F-FDG-PET/CT should be reserved. Imaging of somatostatin receptors using Octreoscan or 68Ga-labeled somatostatin analogues plays an important role for selecting patients for targeted radiation therapy. This review also concludes that it is expected that in the near future, these patients will indeed benefit from new diagnostic approaches based on the identification of new targets by molecular profiling studies that will result in the development of novel PGL-specific radiopharmaceuticals.

Regression and local control rates after radiotherapy for jugulotympanic paragangliomas: systematic review and meta-analysis

The primary treatment goal of radiotherapy for paragangliomas of the head and neck region (HNPGLs) is local control of the tumor, i.e. stabilization of tumor volume. Interestingly, regression of tumor volume has also been reported. Up to the present, no meta-analysis has been performed giving an overview of regression rates after radiotherapy in HNPGLs. The main objective was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess regression of tumor volume in HNPGL-patients after radiotherapy. A second outcome was local tumor control. Design of the study is systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, COCHRANE and Academic Search Premier and references of key articles were searched in March 2012 to identify potentially relevant studies. Considering the indolent course of HNPGLs, only studies with ≥ 12 months follow-up were eligible. Main outcomes were the pooled proportions of regression and local control after radiotherapy as initial, combined (i.e. directly post-operatively or post-embolization) or salvage treatment (i.e. after initial treatment has failed) for HNPGLs. A meta-analysis was performed with an exact likelihood approach using a logistic regression with a random effect at the study level. Pooled proportions with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. Fifteen studies were included, concerning a total of 283 jugulotympanic HNPGLs in 276 patients. Pooled regression proportions for initial, combined and salvage treatment were respectively 21%, 33% and 52% in radiosurgery studies and 4%, 0% and 64% in external beam radiotherapy studies. Pooled local control proportions for radiotherapy as initial, combined and salvage treatment ranged from 79% to 100%. Radiotherapy for jugulotympanic paragangliomas results in excellent local tumor control and therefore is a valuable treatment for these types of tumors. The effects of radiotherapy on regression of tumor volume remain ambiguous, although the data suggest that regression can be achieved at least in some patients. More research is needed to identify predictors for treatment success.

Stereotactic radiosurgery as the primary treatment for new and recurrent paragangliomas: is open surgical resection still the treatment of choice?

OBJECTIVE

Paragangliomas (PGs) or glomus tumors are rare, and publications comparing treatment alternatives are few. We sought to analyze our experience with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), review the literature, and develop treatment guidelines.

METHODS

We retrospectively examined the outcomes of 41 PGs in 36 patients treated with SRS at Stanford. Our data from medical records, telephone interviews, and imaging studies were combined with previously reported SRS data and compared to results following other treatments.

RESULTS

With a median clinical follow-up of 4.8 years (3.9 years radiographic), local control was 100%. Complications included increase in preexistent vertigo in one patient and transient cranial neuropathies in two patients. Published surgical series describe a lower local control rate as well as more frequent and severe complications. Published radiation therapy (RT) series document a slightly lower local control rate than SRS, but SRS can be delivered more quickly and conveniently. Open surgery and other combinations of treatments appear to be required for several subpopulations of PG patients.

CONCLUSIONS

We feel that SRS should be the primary treatment for most new and recurrent PGs. Even some very large PGs are appropriate for SRS. RT remains an appropriate option in some centers, especially those where SRS is not available. PGs occurring in the youngest patients, catecholamine secreting PGs, and PGs causing rapidly progressing neurologic deficits may be more appropriate for open resection. Metastatic PGs may benefit from combinations of chemotherapy and SRS or RT. Treatment guidelines are proposed.

Treatment of cervical paragangliomas

OBJECTIVE

Review of the treatment of cervical paraganglioma.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Review of the literature based on a Medline database.

RESULTS

The treatment of choice consists of a multidisciplinary approach based on a detailed clinical, laboratory and radiological work-up. Vascular reconstruction may be necessary when the tumour invades the artery wall. The main complication of surgery is damage to cranial nerves involved in speech and/or swallowing. Treatment of bilateral tumours must be conducted in two stages. The first side to be operated depends on the sites and size of the tumours, as the primary objective is to avoid bilateral vagus nerve palsy. Radiotherapy has been used to treat paragangliomas for several years and achieves tumour stabilization in the majority of cases. Potential indications reported in the literature are: inoperable tumours, recurrence after surgery, some bilateral tumours and malignant tumours.

CONCLUSION

Surgery is the standard treatment for cervical paraganglioma. Radiotherapy can be proposed when surgery is contraindicated.

Pulsatile tinnitus: contemporary assessment and management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Pulsatile tinnitus is an uncommon otologic symptom, which often presents a diagnostic and management dilemma to the otolaryngologist. The majority of patients with pulsatile tinnitus have a treatable cause. Failure to establish correct diagnosis may have disastrous consequences, because a potentially life-threatening, underlying disorder may be present. The purpose of this review is to familiarize the otolaryngologist with the most common causes, evaluation, and management of pulsatile tinnitus.

RECENT FINDINGS

The pathophysiology, classification, various causes, evaluation, and management of the most common causes of pulsatile tinnitus are presented in this review.

SUMMARY

Pulsatile tinnitus deserves a thorough evaluation and, in the majority of cases, there is a treatable underlying cause. The possibility of a life-threatening cause needs to be ruled out in every patient with pulsatile tinnitus. The otolaryngologist should be familiar with the evaluation and management of this symptom.

Jugular and vagal paragangliomas: Systematic study of management with surgery and radiotherapy

BACKGROUND

The definitive treatment for head and neck paraganglioma (PG) is surgical excision. Unfortunately, surgery, particularly of vagal paraganglioma (VPG; "glomus vagale") and foramen jugulare ("glomus jugulare") tumors, may be complicated by injuries to the lower cranial nerves, a high price to pay for treatment for a benign tumor. Alternatively these tumors may be followed without treatment, or irradiated. The purpose of this review was to compare the existing evidence concerning the efficacy and safety of surgery, external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), for jugular paragangliomas (JPGs) and VPGs.

METHODS

Relevant articles were reviewed using strict criteria for systematic searches. Forty-one surgical studies met the criteria which included 1310 patients. Twenty articles including 461 patients treated with EBRT, and 14 radiosurgery studies comprising 261 patients were also evaluated. Results were compared between treatment modalities using analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests.

RESULTS

A total of 1084 patients with JPGs and 226 VPGs were treated with different surgical procedures. Long-term control of the disease was achieved in 78.2% and 93.3% of patients, respectively. A total of 715 patients with JPG were treated with radiotherapy: 461 with EBRT and 254 with SRS. Control of the disease with both methods was obtained in 89.1% and 93.7% of the patients, respectively. The treatment outcomes of a JPG treated with surgery or radiotherapy were compared. Tumor control failure, major complication rates, and the number of cranial nerve palsies after treatment were significantly higher in surgical than in radiotherapy series. The results of SRS and EBRT in JPGs were compared and no significant differences were observed in tumor control. Because only 1 article reported on the treatment of 10 VPGs with radiotherapy, no comparisons with surgery could be made. Nevertheless, the vagus nerve was functionally preserved in only 11 of 254 surgically treated patients (4.3%).

CONCLUSION

There is evidence that EBRT and SRS offer a similar chance of tumor control with lower risks of morbidity compared with surgery in patients with JPGs. Although the evidence is based on retrospective studies, these results suggest that surgery should be considered only for selected cases, but the decision should be individual for every patient.

Classification and management of cervical paragangliomas

INTRODUCTION

Cervical paragangliomas are slow-growing tumours that eventually cause lower cranial nerve palsies and infiltrate the skull base. Surgical treatment may cause the same deficits and, in some, risks more serious neurological deficits. We describe a classification used to guide investigation, consent and management of cervical paragangliomas based on extensive experience.

METHODS

The case notes of patients managed by the senior author at a tertiary referral skull base unit between 1987 and 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. A total of 87 cervical paragangliomas were identified in 70 patients (mean age: 46 years, range: 13-77 years). Of these, 35 patients had 36 vagal paragangliomas, 43 patients had 50 carotid body paragangliomas and 8 had both. One cervical paraganglioma arose from neither the carotid body nor the nodose ganglion. The main outcome measures were death, stroke, gastrostomy and tracheotomy.

RESULTS

All tumours were classified pre-operatively based on their relationship to the carotid artery, skull base and lower cranial nerves. Type 1 tumours were excised with a transcervical approach, type 2 with a transcervical-parotid approach and type 3 with a combined transcervical-parotid and infratemporal fossa approach. Type 4 patients underwent careful assessment and genetic counselling before any treatment was undertaken. There were no peri-operative deaths; two patients had strokes, one required a long-term feeding gastrostomy and none required a tracheotomy.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a pre-operative classification system guides management and surgical approach, improves accuracy of consent, facilitates audit and clarifies which patients should be referred to specialised centres.

Radiosurgery of glomus jugulare tumors: a meta-analysis

PURPOSE

During the past two decades, radiosurgery has arisen as a promising approach to the management of glomus jugulare. In the present study, we report on a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available published data on the radiosurgical management of glomus jugulare tumors.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

To identify eligible studies, systematic searches of all glomus jugulare tumors treated with radiosurgery were conducted in major scientific publication databases. The data search yielded 19 studies, which were included in the meta-analysis. The data from 335 glomus jugulare patients were extracted. The fixed effects pooled proportions were calculated from the data when Cochrane's statistic was statistically insignificant and the inconsistency among studies was <25%. Bias was assessed using the Egger funnel plot test.

RESULTS

Across all studies, 97% of patients achieved tumor control, and 95% of patients achieved clinical control. Eight studies reported a mean or median follow-up time of >36 months. In these studies, 95% of patients achieved clinical control and 96% achieved tumor control. The gamma knife, linear accelerator, and CyberKnife technologies all exhibited high rates of tumor and clinical control.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study reports the results of a meta-analysis for the radiosurgical management of glomus jugulare. Because of its high effectiveness, we suggest considering radiosurgery for the primary management of glomus jugulare tumors.

Linac-based stereotactic body radiation therapy for treatment of glomus jugulare tumors

BACKGROUND

Glomus jugulare tumors are rare, typically benign, tumors that arise from the neural crest cells that are associated with the autonomic ganglia in and around the jugular bulb. Treatment options for glomus jugulare tumors include embolization followed by resection, fractionated external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), and/or stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

18 patients were treated with linear-accelerator based stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) between May 2002 and November 2008. Fifteen patients (83%) had single glomus jugulare tumors and 3 patients had bilateral glomus jugulare tumors (although each of these patients had a single tumor targeted). The median tumor volume was 5.83 cm(3) (range, 0.32-35.47 cm(3)). Ten tumors (56%) were previously untreated, and 8 (44%) tumors were persistent after previous surgical resection. One patient had undergone previous EBRT and 2 patients were previously treated with Gamma Knife radiosurgery to the intracranial portion of their tumor, with planned SBRT to the extracranial portion 2-4 months later at our institution. The median prescribed dose was 20 Gy in 3 fractions (range: 16-25 Gy in 1-5 fx) to the 80% isodose line. The median prescription coverage of the tumor was 93.6% (range: 83-98.72%).

RESULTS

Median follow-up for the entire cohort was 22 months. All the patients were alive at the time of the last follow-up with imaging available for review. The tumor was stable in 17 patients and decreased in size in one patient--yielding a local control rate of 100%. No patients experienced any new or worsening treatment-related neurologic deficits.

CONCLUSIONS

SBRT is a safe and efficacious treatment modality for glomus jugulare tumors.