Resection of Intrathoracic Paraganglioma With and Without Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Mediastinal Paraganglioma: A retrospective analysis of 51 cases

BACKGROUND

Paragangliomas are rarely found in the mediastinum, where they account for a small proportion of mediastinal masses. This study aimed to better characterize the presenting features and relevant aspects in optimizing the diagnosis and treatment of mediastinal paragangliomas.

METHODS

A computer-assisted search of electronic health records was performed to identify adult patients (≥18 years) who underwent evaluation for a primary mediastinal paraganglioma at Mayo Clinic between January 2000 and April 2022. Medical charts, laboratory tests and radiology images were reviewed to collect data.

RESULTS

The study included 51 patients, each with a single mediastinal paraganglioma. The median age was 47 years (IQR: 39-67), 67% females. Symptoms of catecholamine excess were manifest in 39% of patients, and 14% presented with mass effect, while the remaining 47% had no paraganglioma-related symptoms. Genetic testing was performed in 35 patients; 66% harbored a pathogenic variant in the succinate dehydrogenase enzyme complex. Most paragangliomas (71%) were in the middle mediastinum and showed uptake of intravenous contrast on chest imaging. Biopsies were performed in 30 (59%) patients; 27% were inconclusive and 10% resulted in major complications. Surgical resection occurred in 75%, primarily for relief of symptoms (50%) followed by proximity to critical structures (45%). Perioperative complications were common (66%), but there were no cases of local tumor recurrence during the follow-up period (median 8 years; IQR: 4-13).

CONCLUSION

Mediastinal paragangliomas are most located in the middle mediastinum and can often be diagnosed noninvasively using a combination of clinical, biochemical, and radiological features.

Combined left thoracoscopic and median sternotomy approach to resect aortopulmonary mediastinal paraganglioma following feeding artery embolization: a case report

Background

Aortopulmonary mediastinal paragangliomas are rare. Complete resection of the tumor is desirable regardless of tumor size in view of the risk of sudden death induced by adjacent organ compression and poor prognosis after partial resection or untreated observation. Due to the hypervascularity of the tumor, the risk of intraoperative bleeding is significant, and cardiopulmonary bypass is often required for complete resection.

Case presentation

The patient was diagnosed as having bilateral carotid body tumors and supposedly an aortic body tumor at the age of 43 and eventually underwent resections of bilateral carotid body tumors at the age of 52. The pathology of the carotid body tumors was compatible with paraganglioma on both sides. A familial succinate dehydrogenase subunit D mutation was subsequently identified. Five years later, a contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan showed an enlarged tumor of 45 mm in size in the aortopulmonary mediastinum. Based on the previously known genetic mutation, the tumor was thought to be a paraganglioma. After confirming with an endocrinologist that the aortic body tumor was non-functional, radiologists performed preoperative embolization of the feeding vessels. Subsequently, a surgical team consisting of thoracic and cardiovascular surgeons resected the aortic body tumor using a video-assisted small left thoracotomy approach combined with a median sternotomy approach. The procedure was completed without cardiopulmonary bypass or blood transfusion. The patient was discharged home on postoperative day 9 uneventfully.

Conclusions

After conduction of preceding interventional embolization of multiple feeding vessels, we employed a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical approach to dissect the aspects of the tumor adjacent to the esophagus, descending thoracic aorta, and left pulmonary artery, followed by a median sternotomy approach to dissect the other aspects of the tumor adjacent to the ascending aorta, aortic arch, right pulmonary artery, and trachea. There have been no reports on scheduled preoperative embolization of feeding vessels to an aortopulmonary mediastinal paraganglioma. Multidisciplinary approach was effective for complete resection of this challenging rare mediastinal tumor.

Role of Multimodality Imaging and Preoperative Management in Intrapericardial Paragangliomas

Intrapericardial paragangliomas are rare, highly vascular tumors that frequently adhere to adjacent structures and blood vessels, making surgical resection challenging. In this case series, we discuss the role of multimodality imaging and preoperative embolization in the management of 3 patients presenting with intrapericardial paragangliomas. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.)

Pheochromocytomas and Abdominal Paragangliomas: A Practical Guidance

Simple Summary

Pheochromocytomas and abdominal paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare. They can be discovered incidentally by imaging with computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging and during hormonal surveillance in patients with known genetic variants that are associated with PPGLs. As most PPGLs are functioning, a hormonal work-up evaluating for catecholamine excess is recommended. Classical symptoms, such as tachycardia, hypertension and headache, can be present, but when the PPGL is discovered as an incidentaloma, symptoms may be lacking or be more discrete. PPGLs carry malignant potential, and patients should undergo close surveillance, as recurrence of disease or metastasis may develop. Genetic susceptibility for multifocal disease has gained more attention, and germline variants are commonly detected, thus facilitating detection of hereditary cases and afflicted family members. Any patient with a PPGL should be managed by an expert multidisciplinary team consisting of endocrinologists, radiologists, surgeons, pathologists and clinical geneticists.

Abstract

Pheochromocytomas and abdominal paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare tumors arising from the adrenal medulla or the sympathetic nervous system. This review presents a practical guidance for clinicians dealing with PPGLs. The incidence of PPGLs has risen. Most cases are detected via imaging and less present with symptoms of catecholamine excess. Most PPGLs secrete catecholamines, with diffuse symptoms. Diagnosis is made by imaging and tests of catecholamines. Localized disease can be cured by surgery. PPGLs are the most heritable of all human tumors, and germline variants are found in approximately 30–50% of cases. Such variants can give information regarding the risk of developing recurrence or metastases as well as the risk of developing other tumors and may identify relatives at risk for disease. All PPGLs harbor malignant potential, and current histological and immunohistochemical algorithms can aid in the identification of indolent vs. aggressive tumors. While most patients with metastatic PPGL have slowly progressive disease, a proportion of patients present with an aggressive course, highlighting the need for more effective therapies in these cases. We conclude that PPGLs are rare but increasing in incidence and management should be guided by a multidisciplinary team.

Management of Multiple Secreting Paragangliomas in a Succinate Dehydrogenase Subunit D (SDHD) Variant Carrier

Management of functional intrathoracic sympathetic paragangliomas in succinate dehydrogenase subunit D (SDHD) mutation carriers is challenging, and there is no uniform guideline for treatment to date. The risks of potential malignant behavior and long-term cardiovascular morbidity have to be weighed against the risks of treatment complications. We report the multidisciplinary and shared decision-making approach that resulted in successful surgical removal of 3 paragangliomas in a SDHD mutation carrier.