Impact of preoperative embolization on outcomes of carotid body tumor resections

Evaluating the Potential of Preembolization Using Ethylene-Vinyl Alcohol (Onyx and Squid) in Carotid Body Tumor Paraganglioma

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of preoperative embolization, used 48 hours before surgery to reduce tumor size and surgical complications in carotid body paragangliomas.

METHODS

This systematic review and meta-analysis followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis and Cochrane Handbook. A comprehensive literature search was performed in Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases. The inclusion criteria were: 1) observational studies, 2) reporting on diagnosed carotid body paragangliomas, 3) undergoing preoperative embolization procedures, and 4) with ethylene-vinyl alcohol as an embolic agent.

RESULTS

The study analyzed 106 patients, aged 18-79, using primarily Onyx 18 for embolization, with treatment intervals ranging from 24 hours to 2 weeks. Efficacy outcomes showed near-total devascularization in 67% of cases (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47-0.87; I² = 74%), subtotal devascularization in 33% (95% CI: 0.12-0.54; I² = 43%), and total devascularization in 97% (95% CI: 0.88-1.00; I² = 41%), indicating significant heterogeneity across outcomes. The mean estimated blood loss was 184.46 ml (95% CI: 116.72-252.20 ml). Postembolization complication rate was exceptionally low at 1% (95% CI: 0.00-0.06; I² = 0%).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, preoperative embolization of carotid body tumors achieved high rates of devascularization with minimal blood loss and a very low incidence of complications, highlighting its effectiveness and safety as a treatment strategy.

Prevalence, characteristics, evaluation, and management of carotid body tumors: Systematic analysis based on available evidence

OBJECTIVE

Although carotid body tumors (CBTs) are rare, they attract particular attention because of their propensity for malignant transformation and the high surgical risk. Because data are scarce and as it is difficult to achieve a large sample size, no study has yet comprehensively analyzed the characteristics, management, or operative complications of CBTs. Therefore, we collected and analyzed all currently available information on CBTs and used the pooled data to derive quantitative information on disease characteristics and management.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science up to December 1, 2022, for studies that investigated the characteristics and management of CBTs. The primary objective was to identify the prevalence of the various characteristics and the incidence of complications. The secondary objective was to compare patients who underwent preoperative embolization (PE) and those who did not (non-PE), as well as to compare patients with different Shamblin grades and those with and without succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) mutations in terms of CBT characteristics and complications. Two reviewers selected studies for inclusion and independently extracted data. All statistical analyses were performed using the standard statistical procedures of Review Manager 5.2 and Stata 12.0.

RESULTS

A total of 155 studies with 9291 patients and 9862 tumors were identified. The pooled results indicated that the median age of patients with CBT was 45.72 years, and 65% were female. The proportion of patients with bilateral lesions was 13%. In addition, 16% of patients had relevant family histories, and the proportion of those with SDH gene mutations was 36%. Sixteen percent of patients experienced multiple paragangliomas, and 12% of CBTs had catecholamine function. The incidence of cranial nerve injury (CNI) was 27%, and 14% of patients suffered from permanent CNI. The incidence rates of operative mortality and stroke were both 1%, and 4% of patients developed transient ischemic attacks. Of all CBTs, 6% were malignant or associated with metastases or recurrences. The most common metastatic locations were the lymph nodes (3%) and bone (3%), followed by the lungs (2%). Compared with non-PE, PE reduced the estimated blood loss (standardized mean difference, -0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.70 to -0.20) and the operation time (standardized mean difference, -0.56; 95% CI, -1.03 to -0.09), but it increased the incidence of stroke (odds ratio, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.04-5.73). Higher Shamblin grade tumors were associated with more operative complications. Patients who were SDH gene mutation-positive were more likely to have a relevant family history and had more symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

CBT was most common in middle-aged females, and early surgical resection was feasible; there was a low incidence of serious operative complications. Routine PE is not recommended because this may increase the incidence of stroke, although PE somewhat reduced the estimated blood loss and operation time. Higher Shamblin grade tumors increased the incidence of operative complications. Patients who were SDH gene mutation-positive had the most relevant family histories and symptoms.

Fifteen Years of Experience with Surgical Management of Bilateral Non-familial Carotid Body Tumors

BACKGROUND

Bilateral carotid body tumors (CBTs) clinical manifestation is infrequent. We conducted this work to describe our experience in the surgical treatment of bilateral CBT and to analyze our results.

METHODS

A retrospective, observational study. We analyzed the totality of bilateral CBT resections that had been performed in our institution from January 2008 to September 2023. Data was obtained from medical records and anonymized, ethics approval was obtained from our institution committee. As the number of observations was less than those required by the central limit theorem our sample was considered nonparametric. Statistical analysis was performed on Stata 17.

RESULTS

We evaluated 16 patients with a total of 32 CBT; surgical resection was performed in 28 cases (87.50%). Median age of the patients was 60 years (interquartile range [IQR] 46-64). Regarding the Shamblin classification, 9 CBTs (32.14%) were classified as Shamblin I, 11 (39.29%) as Shamblin II, and 8 (28.57%) as Shamblin III. The median Distance to the Base of the Skull (DTBOS) was 3.5 cm (IQR 2.7-5.1), and the median tumor volume was 11.25 cc (IQR 3.4-18.7). The median bleeding volume was 300 ml (IQR 200-500), and the median surgical time was 190 min (IQR 145-240). All surgeries were performed using the Retrocarotid Dissection technique. We documented 9 (32.14%) cases of nerve injuries, all of which were transitory. In the median regression a statistically significant association was found between DTBOS, Shamblin classification and tumor volume with intraoperative bleeding and length of stay.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical treatment remains safe and should be considered the gold standard for accurate histologic diagnosis. DTBOS and tumor volume, in addition to Shamblin classification, must be considered in preoperative planning to predict bleeding and hospital stay.

Surgical and Histopathological Results in Carotid Body Tumors

OBJECTIVE

 The possible relationships between the histopathological findings of carotid body tumors and age, gender, tumor diameter, and Shamblin classification were investigated. In addition, preoperative embolization status, development of neurological complications, need for vascular reconstruction, hemoglobin change, and discharge time were examined and the effects of these variables on each other were analyzed.

METHODS

 Between 2008 and 2022, 46 cases who underwent carotid body tumor excision were examined retrospectively. The cases were followed for an average of 81 months postoperatively. Histopathological materials were reexamined and the effect of categorical variables was analyzed.

RESULTS

 Mean tumor diameter was 3.55 ± 1.26 cm, mean discharge time was 3.91 ± 2.37 days, and mean hemoglobin change was 1.86 ± 1.25. Neurological complications developed in 13% of cases. The amount of hemoglobin change was significantly (p = 0.003) higher in those who developed neurological complications, whereas the tumor diameter and discharge time were found to be insignificantly higher. Surgical complications requiring vascular repair occurred in 10.8% of cases. Tumor diameter (p = 0.017) and hemoglobin change (p = 0.046) were significantly higher in these patients. There were significant correlations between higher Shamblin classification and tumor diameter, discharge time, postoperative hemoglobin value, and number of surgical and neurological complications. No significant difference was found between Ki-67, capsular invasion, mitosis, pleomorphism, prominent nucleoli, mean island diameter, and tendency of islands to merge with categorical variables.

CONCLUSION

 As the tumor diameter increases, the operation becomes more difficult and the postoperative complication rate increases. We think that subadventitial and capsular removal of the tumor is effective in preventing recurrence. To reach a histopathological conclusion, a larger series of studies including tumors with high Ki-67 and mitosis rates, large size, and one or more of the criteria for necrosis are needed.

Retrocarotid dissection technique compared to the caudocranial approach for the surgical treatment of carotid body tumors: A 15-year experience

INTRODUCTION

Carotid body tumors are rare neoplasms with malignant potential. We aim to follow up on our initial experience published in 2015 and compare the occurrence of complications and postoperative outcomes with the use of retrocarotid dissection (RCD) against the standard caudocranial (SCCD) technique.

METHODS

This was an observational, case-control study in which we analyzed all of the carotid body tumor resections performed from 1986 to 2022. Parametric and nonparametric tests were used accordingly. Statistical analysis was performed on Stata 17.

RESULTS

A total of 181 surgical procedures were included, mean age was 56 years (± 13.63), and 168 (93%) were performed in women. The mean medio-lateral diameter was larger in the RCD group (2.85 ± 1.57 cm vs 1.93 ±1.85 cm; p = 0.002) and presurgical embolization was more frequently performed in the SCCD group (27.5% vs 0.7%; p < 0.001). A total of 40 (22.09%) resections were performed using the SCCD technique. In contrast, in 141 (77.91%) procedures the RCD technique was used. The mean surgical time in the RCD group was lower (197.37 ± 70.56 min vs 232 ± 98.34 min; p = 0.01). No statistically significant difference was found between SCCD and RCD in terms of vascular lesions (n = 20 [11.04%], 15% vs 9%, respectively; p = 0.36), transient or permanent nerve injuries (25% vs 33%, respectively; p = 0.31), or mean intraoperative bleeding (SCCD: 689.95 ± 680.05 mL vs RCD: 619.64 ± 837.94 mL; p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

RCD appears to be a safe and equivalent alternative to the standard caudocranial approach in terms of intraoperative bleeding or vascular lesions, with a sustained, significant decrease in surgical time.

Surgical management of tumors of the cervical spine and craniovertebral junction involving the vertebral artery: A narrative review

BACKGROUND

The vertebral artery (VA) is in close proximity to bony structures, nerves and nerve sheaths of the cervical spine and craniovertebral junction (CVJ). These structures can be sources of tumors that are responsible for displacement, encasement and sometimes invasion of the VA. Removing these tumors while minimizing the risk of vascular injury requires thorough knowledge of the vascular anatomy, risk factors of vascular injury, the relationships of each tumor type with the VA, and the different surgical approaches and techniques that result in the best outcomes in terms of vascular control, tumoral exposure and resection.

OBJECTIVE

To present an overview of preoperative and anatomical considerations, differential diagnoses and various approaches to consider in cases of tumors in close relationship with the VA.

METHOD

A review of recent literature was conducted to examine the anatomy of the VA, the tumors most frequently affecting it, surgical approaches, and the necessary pre-operative preparations for ensuring safe and maximal tumor resection. This review aims to underscore the principles of treatment.

CONCLUSION

Tumors located at the CVJ and the cervical spine intimately involved with the VA, pose a surgical challenge and increase the risk of incomplete removal of the lesion. Detailed knowledge of the patient-specific anatomy and a targeted pre-operative work-up enable optimal planning of surgical approach and management of the VA, thereby reducing surgical risks and improving extent of resection.

Malignant carotid body tumors: What we know, what we do, and what we need to achieve. A systematic review of the literature

Malignant carotid body tumors (MCBT) are rare and diagnosed after detection of nodal or distant metastases. This systematic review (SR) focuses on MCBT initially approached by surgery. Preferred Reporting Items for SR and Meta-Analysis (MA) guided the articles search from 2000 to 2023 on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Among 3548 papers, 132 (337 patients) were considered for SR; of these, 20 (158 patients) for MA. Malignancy rate was 7.3%, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) mutation 17%, age at diagnosis between 4th and 6th decades, with a higher prevalence of females. MCBTs were mostly Shamblin III, with nodal and distant metastasis in 79.7% and 44.7%, respectively. Malignancy should be suspected if CBT >4 cm, Shamblin III, painful or otherwise symptomatic, at the extremes of age, bilateral, with multifocal disease, and SDHx mutations. Levels II-III clearance should be performed to exclude nodal metastases and adjuvant treatments considered on a case-by-case basis.

Outcomes and Predictors of Morbidity after Carotid Body Tumor Resection

BACKGROUND

Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are uncommon neuroendocrine tumors at the carotid bifurcation treated with resection. The goal of this study was to examine patient outcomes after CBT resection and establish predictors of morbidity.

METHODS

Patients undergoing CBT resection were identified from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database over 11 years. Demographics, past medical history, preoperative labs, procedural details, morbidity and mortality were recorded. Multivariable logistic regression (MLR) analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of morbidity.

RESULTS

From 2010 to 2020, 668 CBT resections were identified. The majority of patients were female (65%) and White (72%) with a mean age of 56 (standard deviation [SD] ± 16). Average body mass index (BMI) was 29.9 (SD ± 7.1). Arterial resection occurred in 81 patients (12%). 6% of patients experienced morbidity, most commonly re-operation (2.4%). Morbidity was more common in patients with higher BMI (33.1 vs. 29.7, P = 0.005), chronic obstruction pulmonary disease (10% vs. 1.9%, P = 0.012), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (P = 0.005), and lower albumin (3.7 vs. 4, P = 0.016). Morbidity was not increased with arterial resection (P = 1) or based on length of operation (P = 0.169). Morbidity did not impact mortality (P = 0.06) though led to longer length of stay [LOS] (8 days vs. 2.4, P < 0.001). On MLR, preoperative BMI was the only risk factor for morbidity (odds ratio 1.06, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.1, P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

CBT resection is very well tolerated with low stroke rates, morbidity, and mortality. Arterial resection leads to increased transfusion requirements and LOS but did not increase stroke rates, mortality, or overall morbidity. Within the NSQIP database, preoperative BMI was the only predictor of postoperative morbidity, which leads to significantly longer LOS.

A Global Bibliometric Analysis of the Top 100 Most Cited Articles on Carotid Body Tumors

The carotid body, situated at the common carotid artery bifurcation, comprises specialized glomus cells responsible for sensing blood oxygen, carbon dioxide, pH, and temperature changes, crucial for regulating breathing and maintaining oxygen homeostasis. Carotid body tumors (CBTs), arising from these cells, are rare, representing only 0.5% of head and neck tumors, often presenting as benign, slow-growing, vascularized masses. In February 2023, this bibliometric analysis was conducted, which involved screening 1733 articles from the Web of Science database. The screening process was based on citation count, and articles were selected for inclusion based on specific criteria that focused on CBTs located within the carotid bifurcation. Rigorous selection involved independent screening and data extraction by four authors. The top 100 articles, published between 1948 and 2019, totaled 6623 citations and were authored by 98 unique first authors from 22 countries and 77 institutions, spanning 42 journals. Treatment articles were the predominant category, comprising 49% of the literature. This analysis offers insights into publication trends, identifies literature gaps, and outlines areas of research focus, providing a valuable resource to guide future studies on CBTs.

The Surgical Treatment of Carotid Body Tumor as Well as the Prevention and Management of Complications

The carotid body tumor (CBT) is a rare paraganglioma neoplasm that often occurs in the head and neck anatomical region. Carotid angiography continues to be widely regarded as the preferred diagnostic method for this particular malignancy. Surgical intervention has been widely acknowledged as the primary approach for managing CBTs. However, the resection of CBTs poses significant technical challenges due to its specific anatomical position. To mitigate the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative challenges, we have conducted a comprehensive review of both domestic and international literature to consolidate the surgical approach and strategies for preventing and managing complications associated with this particular tumor.

Role of Preoperative Embolization in Surgical Management of Carotid Body Tumors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of preoperative embolization on carotid body tumor resection. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were screened for studies published between 2010 and 2022. Primary outcomes investigated were intraoperative blood loss, operative time, length of hospital stay, and perioperative complications such as transient ischemic attack (TIA)/stroke, vascular injury, and cranial nerve injury (CNI). A random effects model was used in cases where study heterogeneity was high. Overall, 25 studies were included in the systematic review, involving 1649 patients: 23 studies were eligible for meta-analysis. The incidence of vascular injury was significantly less in the preoperative embolization group (odds ratio (OR) = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.42-0.84; P = .003). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding intraoperative blood loss, operative time, length of hospital stay, incidence of TIA/stroke, and CNI. Subgroup analyses did not demonstrate significant difference between Shamblin I, II, and III subgroups regarding operative time. This meta-analysis found preoperative embolization to be significantly beneficial in reducing incidence of vascular injury.

Carotid Body Tumor in a 26-Year-Old Male Patient Managed With Preoperative Embolization

Carotid body tumors are rare, highly vascularized neuroendocrine tumors that arise near the bifurcation of the common carotid artery (CCA). Controversy exists in the management of those tumors about whether preoperative embolization facilitates surgical excision and decreases perioperative complication risk. We present the case of a 26-year-old patient with a carotid body tumor manifesting as a painless pulsatile mass in the anterior triangle over the left side of the neck and provide details of the preoperative diagnostic steps. Treatment included preoperative embolization of the tumor followed by surgical excision after 48 hours to safely address this rare pathology, resulting in a favorable outcome for the patient.

Preoperative Embolization in Surgical Resection of Cervical Paragangliomas: Usefulness and Current Evidence

BACKGROUND

Cervical paragangliomas (CPG) are slow-growing tumours, most of which are highly vascular, making surgical resection challenging. Preoperative embolisation of afferent arteries has been recommended to facilitate operative dissection, reduce perioperative blood loss, and shorten the duration of the operation. However, there is conflicting evidence on the benefits of preoperative embolisation on surgical outcomes, operative time, and bleeding.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to compare the perioperative parameters and outcomes like duration of surgery, blood transfusion, duration of stay in the ICU, cranial nerve injuries, and postoperative stroke between patients who underwent excision of CPGs with and without preoperative embolisation.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study conducted at the Division of Vascular Surgery, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. The study included a review of the medical records of 32 patients who underwent excision of CPGs. Patients who underwent surgical resection without preoperative embolisation (SR) were compared with those who underwent surgical resection with embolisation (SREMB). Statistical analysis was done in R statistical software (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria). Categorical variables were reported in absolute numbers and percentages continuous variables were compared with an unpaired Mann-Whitney U test. The chi-square test was used to compare the categorical data.

RESULTS

Out of 32 patients included in this study, 13 (40.6%) patients were included in the SREMB group. Between the two groups, there were no significant differences in operative time (120 vs. 150 minutes; p = 0.59), blood transfusion requirement (0.69 vs. 0.37 units; p = 0.39) and ICU stays (1 vs. 1; p = 0.56). Postoperative cranial nerve injury was significantly more in the SREMB group (6 vs 1; p = 0.01) but stroke (0 vs 2; p = 0.50) was not statistically significant between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we found that there was insufficient evidence to support routine preoperative embolisation in CPG. Hence, preoperative embolisation should only be used in a very select group of patients.

John M. Multidisciplinary care improves outcomes for patients with carotid body paragangliomas-The UCLA experience

Objective

To evaluate the effects and outcomes of multidisciplinary surgical approaches in the management of carotid body tumors (CBT).

Methods

A single-center retrospective study at the University of California-Los Angeles Medical Center was conducted on patients who presented with CBTs and underwent surgical resections from 1998 to 2020. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS v27 and Excel.

Results

A total of 75 patients with 79 CBT resections were included. Operating surgical subspecialties included: 41.8% vascular surgery, 24.1% otolaryngology head and neck surgeons (OHNS), and 31.6% combined OHNS and vascular. 68.4% of tumors underwent preoperative embolization. EBL was directly correlated with tumor size. CBT size was similar for OHNS (30 mm) and vascular (31 mm) but was significantly larger for combined OHNS and vascular cases (38 mm). EBL was higher in combined cases (301 mL) compared to OHNS (124 mL) or vascular (203 mL) alone. Incidence of postoperative cranial nerve deficits was 7.8%, with combined OHNS and vascular cases having an incidence of 4.0% when compared to OHNS (5.3%) versus vascular surgery alone (12.1%).

Conclusion

CBTs can be managed effectively by single surgical specialties with similar outcomes between vascular surgery and OHNS. In larger, higher grade tumors, however, a combined vascular and OHNS approach had lower incidence of postoperative cranial nerve injuries when compared to single specialty resections, despite a larger EBL. Thus, a multidisciplinary surgical approach suggests favorable outcomes with fewer incidence of cranial nerve deficits for larger, more complex CBT resections.

Level of Evidence

2b-Individual retrospective cohort study.

Preoperative embolization is necessary for large-volume carotid body tumor (≥ 6670 mm3) resection

BACKGROUND

To investigate the impact of preoperative embolization (p-TAE) on CBT surgical resection and explore the optimal tumor volume for p-TAE of CBT resection.

METHODS

This retrospective study reviewed 139 surgically excised CBTs. According to Shamblin classification, tumor volumes, and whether to carry out the p-TAE, the patients were classified into different groups. The demographic, clinical features, and the intraoperative and post-operative information about the patients were retrieved and analyzed from the patient records.

RESULTS

A total of 139 CBTs was excised in 130 patients. According to the results of subgroup analysis, there were no significant differences in surgical time, blood loss, adverse events (AEs), and the revascularization when compared with non-embolization group (NEG) for type I, II, III, respectively (all p > 0.05) except for the surgical time in type I (p < 0.05). Then the X-tile program was employed and determine the cutoff point (tumor volume = 6670 mm3) for tumor volumes and blood loss. The average tumor volume was (29,782.37 vs. 31,345.10 mm3, p = 0.65) for embolization group (EG) and NEG. The mean surgical time (208.86 vs. 264.67 min, p > 0.05) and intraoperative blood loss (252.78 vs. 430.00 mL, p < 0.05) were less, and the incidence of revascularization required (35.56 vs. 52.38%, p > 0.05) and total complications (27.78 vs. 57.14%, p < 0.05) were lower in EG when compared with NEG (tumor volume ≥ 6670 mm3). However, the results were not statistically significant when the tumor size was less than 6670 mm3. No surgery-related mortality was observed during the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative selective embolization of CBT is an effective and safe adjunct for surgical resection, especially for Shamblin class II and III tumors (≥ 6670 mm3).

An analysis from the CAPACITY database of outcomes of preoperative embolization before carotid body tumor surgery compared with resection alone

OBJECTIVE

There is no definitive consensus on the impact of preoperative embolization on carotid body tumor (CBT) treatment. The objective of this study was to compare surgical outcomes of patients who underwent preoperative embolization before CBT resection vs patients who underwent resection alone.

METHODS

The CAPACITY registry included 1432 patients with CBT from 11 medical centers in four different countries. The group of patients undergoing CBT resection with preoperative embolization was matched in a 1:6 ratio from a pool of patients from the CAPACITY database, using a generated propensity score with patients who did not underwent preoperative embolization.

RESULTS

A total of 553 patients were included for analysis. Mean patient age was 56.23 ± 12.22 years. Patients were mostly female (n = 469; 84.8%). Bilateral CBT was registered in 60 patients (10.8%). Seventy-nine patients (14.3%) underwent preoperative embolization. Embolized patients had larger CBT sizes than non-embolized patients (33.8 mm vs 18.4 mm; P = .0001). Operative blood loss was lower in the embolized group compared with the non-embolized group (200 mL vs 250 mL; P = .031). Hematomas were more frequent in the non-embolized group (0% vs 2.7%; P = .044). Operative time, rates of stroke, cranial nerve injuries, and death were not statistically significant between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Embolization before CBT resection was associated with significantly lower blood loss and lower neck hematomas than patients who underwent resection alone. Operative time, stroke, cranial nerve injuries, and death were similar between groups.

Morbidity and Long-Term Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Advanced Carotid Body Tumor Resection

BACKGROUND

The reported risk of a cranial nerve (CN) injury is up to 1 in 4 patients in large registries of carotid body tumor (CBT) resection. Functional outcome for this population is unknown.

METHODS

We evaluated consecutive patients who underwent CBT resection from November 2013 through October 2020. Demographics, intraoperative details, complications, and outcomes were recorded from the medical record. Permanent CN nerve injury was defined as deficits lasting >6 months. Frequency statistics, averages, chi-squared test, and multiple logistic regression were completed for primary end points of complications and disease-free survival. Patient-reported outcomes were gathered via telephone survey of patients conducted in September 2021.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients presented with CBTs and the following Shamblin classes: I (n = 7; 14%), II (n = 36; 69%), and III (n = 9; 17%). Head and neck oncology and vascular surgery jointly did 52% of CBT resections, including 6 of 9 Shamblin III cases. Eight patients (15.3%, all Shamblin II or III) suffered a total of 12 CN injuries - 8 CN XII (5 temporary and 3 permanent), 3 CN X (all permanent), and 1 CN XI (permanent). Seven of the CN injury subgroup had preoperative embolization and 5 were joint oncology/vascular cases. In addition, 4 separate carotid injuries required repair. Notably, all patients had disease-free survival postoperatively at a mean follow-up of 6 months. Patient-reported outcomes obtained in 70.6% of patients 1 year or more from index operation demonstrated that two-thirds of patients live without any permanent functional deficits, and the majority of those with continued deficits rate the symptoms as daily but mild in severity.

CONCLUSIONS

In a series of complex CBT patients treated with preoperative embolization capabilities and multidisciplinary surgical approach, disease-free survival was achieved in all patients despite a high rate of iatrogenic CN injuries, most commonly CN XII. Patient-reported outcomes survey results indicate that injuries identified on clinical exam underreport patients' true postoperative CN deficits - especially branches of CN X. This data support the practice of aggressive primary resection of CBTs while providing guidance for expected functional outcomes due to CN injury risk.

Hereditary head and neck paraganglioma: from basics to practical consequences

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes practical recommendations for screening, work-up, and management of hereditary head and neck paragangliomas based on the growing molecular and empirical understanding of this disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

The proportion of hereditary cases among head and neck paragangliomas is significant (∼33 to 50%), and specific genetic alterations may increase the risk of malignancy. Genotyping should be performed for each case, and patients carrying a pathological mutation should be regularly screened for new tumors. Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), digital subtraction angiography (DSA), and functional positron emission tomography (PET) can provide a reliable preoperative diagnosis in the absence of histology. Comparative data on therapeutic outcome and morbidity now render radiation, stereotactic radiosurgery, and active surveillance preferable over surgery in highly advanced cases of jugulotympanic and vagal paragangliomas, whereas surgery remains the first choice for most carotid body paragangliomas.

SUMMARY

Complete paraganglioma removal continues to be the primary therapeutic goal; however, this is sometimes impossible to accomplish with acceptable morbidity. In these cases, therapy selection should focus on preserving cranial nerve function and minimizing both tumor-associated and therapy-associated complications, particularly in genetically predisposed patients. An interdisciplinary approach to the management of hereditary head and neck paragangliomas is strongly recommended.

Risk Factors for Stroke After Carotid Paraganglioma Surgery

BACKGROUND

The Carotid Paraganglioma Cooperative International Registry (CAPACITY) is an international registry composed of 1,432 patients with carotid body tumors (CBT) from 11 centers from 4 countries. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for patients who presented stroke after carotid paraganglioma resection.

METHODS

Clinical characteristics and demographics of patients who presented transoperatively and postoperatively stroke from the CAPACITY database were retrospectively gathered. Regression analysis was performed using single logistic regression with Omnibus' test for possible factors that might contribute to present stroke.

RESULTS

Out of 1,432 patients, 8 (0.5%) female patients presented stroke. Median age was 53 years (range: 41-70 years). Six strokes occurred transoperatively, diagnosed clinically in the immediate postoperative period. Of them, none of the patients received any further treatment. Three of them died on postoperative day 2, 3, and 4. Two patients developed stroke during the first 24 postoperative hours, patients showed dysarthria, and aphasia. One of them was reintervened with thrombectomy due to thrombosis of the common carotid artery the other patient was treated conservatively. Median follow-up was 16 months (range: 2-72 months). Single logistic regression analysis revealed a history of diabetes mellitus (odds ratio (OR) 7.62), carotid artery disease (OR 17.51), and vascular lesion (OR 2.37) to have significantly increased odds of stroke during CBT surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study history of diabetes mellitus, carotid artery disease, and vascular lesion had increased odds of stroke during CBT surgery. Findings are limited by low event rate and even larger cohorts are needed to fully define preventive preoperative strategies for preventing stroke.

Retrospective analysis of carotid body tumor surgical management: roles of preoperative image investigation and preoperative embolization

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the management of carotid body tumors (CBTs), particularly the use of preoperative embolization (EMB) and image features in minimizing surgical complications.

BACKGROUND

CBT surgery is a challenging procedure, and the role of EMB in CBT surgery has remained unclear.

METHODS

A total of 200 CBTs were identified among 184 medical records involving CBT surgery. Regression analysis was used to explore the prognostic predictors of cranial nerve deficit (CND), including image features. In addition, blood loss, operation times, and complication rates were compared between patients who had surgery only versus patients who had surgery along with preoperative EMB.

RESULTS

Overall, 96 males and 88 females were identified for inclusion in the study, with a median age of 37.0 years. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) showed the presence of a tiny gap adjacent to the encasement of carotid vessels, which could help minimize carotid arterial injury. High-lying tumors that encased the cranial nerve were usually managed with synchronous cranial nerve resection. Regression analysis revealed that the incidence of CND was positively associated with Shamblin Ⅲ, high-lying, and a maximal CBT diameter of ≥ 5cm. Among 146 EMB cases, two cases of intracranial arterial embolization occurred. No statistical difference was found between the EBM and Non-EBM groups in terms of bleeding volume, operation time, blood loss, blood transfusion requirement, stroke, and permanent CND. Subgroup analysis revealed that EMB decreased CND in Shamblin III and low-lying tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

CBT surgery should be performed with preoperative CTA to identify favorable factors for minimizing surgical complications. Shamblin Ⅲ or high-lying tumors, as well as CBT diameter, are predictors of permanent CND. EBM does not reduce blood loss or shorten operation time.

Association of Tumor Volumetry with Postoperative Outcomes for Cervical Paraganglioma

Objectives: To analyze the association of tumor volume with outcome after surgery for cervical paraganglioma. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included consecutive patients undergoing surgery for cervical paraganglioma from 2009-2020. Outcomes were 30-day morbidity, mortality, cranial nerve injury, and stroke. Preoperative CT/MRI was used for tumor volumetry. An association between the volume and the outcomes was explored in univariate and multivariable analyses. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. The study was conducted and reported according to the STROBE statement. Results: Volumetry was successful in 37/47 (78.8%) of included patients. A 30-day morbidity occurred in 13/47 (27.6%) patients with no mortality. Fifteen cranial nerve lesions occurred in eleven patients. The mean tumor volume was 6.92 cm³ in patients without and 15.89 cm³ in patients with complications (p = 0.035) and 7.64 cm³ in patients without and 16.28 cm³ in patients with cranial nerve injury (p = 0.05). Neither the volume nor Shamblin grade was significantly associated with complications on multivariable analysis. The AUC was 0.691, indicating a poor to fair performance of volumetry in predicting postoperative complications. Conclusions: Surgery for cervical paraganglioma bears a relevant morbidity with a particular risk of cranial nerve lesions. Tumor volume is associated with morbidity, and MRI/CT volumetry can be used for risk stratification.

Multidisciplinary management of carotid body tumors: a single-institution case series of 22 patients

OBJECTIVE

Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are rare, slow-growing neoplasms derived from the parasympathetic paraganglia of the carotid bodies. Although inherently vascular lesions, the role of preoperative embolization prior to resection remains controversial. In this report, the authors describe an institutional series of patients with CBT successfully treated via resection following preoperative embolization and compare the results in this series to previously reported outcomes in the treatment of CBT.

METHODS

All CBTs resected between 2013 and 2019 at a single institution were retrospectively identified. All patients had undergone preoperative embolization performed by interventional neuroradiologists, and all had been operated on by a combined team of cerebrovascular neurosurgeons and otolaryngology-head and neck surgeons. The clinical, radiographic, endovascular, and perioperative data were collected. All procedural complications were recorded.

RESULTS

Among 22 patients with CBT, 63.6% were female and the median age was 55.5 years at the time of surgery. The most common presenting symptoms included a palpable neck mass (59.1%) and voice changes (22.7%). The average tumor volume was 15.01 ± 14.41 cm3. Most of the CBTs were Shamblin group 2 (95.5%). Blood was predominantly supplied from branches of the ascending pharyngeal artery, with an average of 2 vascular pedicles (range 1-4). Fifty percent of the tumors were embolized with more than one material: polyvinyl alcohol, 95.5%; Onyx, 50.0%; and N-butyl cyanoacrylate glue, 9.1%. The average reduction in tumor blush following embolization was 83% (range 40%-95%). No embolization procedural complications occurred. All resections were performed within 30 hours of embolization. The average operative time was 173.9 minutes, average estimated blood loss was 151.8 ml, and median length of hospital stay was 4 days. The rate of permanent postoperative complications was 0%; 2 patients experienced transient hoarseness, and 1 patient had medical complications related to alcohol withdrawal.

CONCLUSIONS

This series reveals that endovascular embolization of CBT is a safe and effective technique for tumor devascularization, making preoperative angiography and embolization an important consideration in the management of CBT. Moreover, the successful management of CBT at the authors' institution rests on a multidisciplinary approach whereby endovascular surgeons, neurosurgeons, and ear, nose, and throat-head and neck surgeons work together to optimally manage each patient with CBT.

Perioperative blood pressure and heart rate alterations after carotid body tumor excision: a retrospective study of 108 cases

BACKGROUND

Arising from chemoreceptor cells, carotid body tumors (CBTs) are rare neoplasms associated with hemodynamics. Perioperative changes in blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) are not completely understood.

METHODS

This retrospective, observational, controlled study included all CBT patients from 2013 to 2018 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Perioperative changes in BP/HR within or between unilateral/bilateral/control groups were investigated. Perioperative details across Shamblin types were also assessed.

RESULTS

This study included 108 patients (116 excised CBTs). The postoperative systolic BP and HR increased in both unilateral (mean difference of systolic BP = 5.9mmHg, 95% CI 3.1 ~ 8.6; mean difference of HR = 3.7 bpm, 95% CI 2.6 ~ 4.9) and bilateral (mean difference of systolic BP = 10.3mmHg, 95% CI 0.6 ~ 19.9; mean difference of HR = 8.4 bpm, 95% CI 0.5 ~ 16.2) CBT patients compared with the preoperative measures. Compared with control group, the postoperative systolic BP increased (difference in the alteration = 6.3mmHg, 95% CI 3.5 ~ 9.0) in unilateral CBT patients; both systolic BP (difference in the alteration = 9.2mmHg, 95% CI 1.1 ~ 17.3) and HR (difference in the alteration = 5.3 bpm, 95% CI 1.0 ~ 9.6) increased in bilateral CBT patients. More CBT patients required extra antihypertensive therapy after surgery than controls (OR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.14 ~ 5.5). Maximum tumor diameter, intraoperative vascular injury, continuous vasoactive agent requirement, total fluid volume, transfusion, estimated blood loss, operation duration, postoperative pathology, overall complications, and intensive care unit/hospital lengths of stay significantly varied among Shamblin types.

CONCLUSION

CBT excision may be associated with subtle perioperative hemodynamic changes. Perioperative management of CBT patients necessitates careful assessment, full preparation and close postoperative monitoring.

Microsurgical treatment of carotid body tumors using periadventitial dissection: Analysis of outcomes and prognostic factors in a neurological referral center

Background:

Surgical resection for carotid body tumors (CBTs) is the gold standard of treatment and continues to be a challenging procedure, commonly associated with high vascular injury rates and neurological complications.

Methods:

It is a retrospective case series study between January 2002 and November 2020, with a mean follow-up of 29 months in a single nationwide referral center. Thirty-one patients diagnosed with a carotid body tumor and treated with microsurgical periadventitial resection were included in the study. Patients’ demographics, comorbidities, clinical, radiological factors, and tumor grade, evaluated by the Shamblin scale, were obtained. Statistical analysis was performed on all collected data.

Results:

In this study, we included 31 patients (32 tumors), 80% of the patients were female, and 20% were male, with a mean age of 53 years. One patient presented with bilateral lesions, while 17 tumors were located on the left side. The most frequent symptom was a painless, slow-growing neck mass in 74% of patients. Using the Shamblin classification, 13% of tumors were Grade I, 53% Grade II, and 34% Grade III. In the postoperative period, 3% of patients presented with permanent cranial nerve deficit, while none had vascular injuries or postoperative stroke. A tumor >5 cm increased the risk for nerve lesion by 11 times (OR 12.6, CI 95% 7.4-11.4, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Preoperative embolization followed by periadventitial resection by means of a microsurgical technique is a safe and effective approach to remove CBT, with 3% cranial nerve injury rate and no need for vascular sacrifice or reconstruction.

Carotid paragangliomas. Alternatives for presurgical endovascular management

Carotid paragangliomas (CP) are rare tumors, representing 0.6% of the head and neck tumors. These tumors have their origin in the carotid body located in the adventitia of the vascular wall of the carotid bifurcation. Among their principal characteristics are hypervascularity, primarily dependent on branches of the external carotid artery, the proximity and possible involvement of the cranial nerves IX, X, XI, XII, and extension to the base of the skull. Complete surgical resection is the first line of management; however, this procedure can be a surgical challenge due to the potential risk of bleeding, intraoperative neurovascular injuries, and prolonged surgical time. Tumor embolization, carotid stenting, and tumor embolization with carotid stenting have been developed as alternative presurgical endovascular techniques that decrease tumor vascularity and/or provide structural vascular support, reducing bleeding and facilitating tumor dissection. Two cases of carotid tumors of the same classification, Shamblin II, are presented, one treated by preoperative embolization and the other managed with a carotid stent; the indications, advantages, and possible complications of each one are discussed. Two cases of Shamblin II carotid tumors are presented, one treated preoperatively with a carotid stent and the other with preoperative embolization. A literature review was carried out, with a search in PubMed that includes case reports, case series, review articles, meta-analyses on CP, presurgical tumor embolization, presurgical carotid stent placement, and surgical treatment of carotid body tumor. Hypervascularity and adhesion to the carotid wall are the leading causes of difficulties in surgical resection of CP. Optimal tumor embolization and/or preoperative carotid stent placement reduce intraoperative bleeding and provide vascular structural support, reducing intraoperative and postoperative complications.

Beneficial effects of preoperative superselective embolization on carotid body tumor surgery: A 13-year single-center experience

Purpose

This study presented our 13-year experience managing patients with CBTs (carotid body tumors) and was aimed to investigate the impact of pre-TAE (preoperative transarterial embolization) on CBT surgical resection.

Methods

This retrospective study reviewed 169 surgically excised CBTs between May 2007 and October 2020. According to whether to carry out the pre-TAE, the patients were classified into the embolization (EG) (n = 130) and non-embolization groups (NEG) (n = 39). Tumor classification was based on Shamblin criteria and tumor size. The demographic data, clinical features, and intraoperative and postoperative information about the patients were retrieved and analyzed.

Results

The average tumor size was (43.49 vs. 35.44 mm, p = 0.04) for EG and NEG. The mean surgical time (195.48 vs. 205.64 mins, p = 0.62) and intraoperative BL (blood loss) (215.15 vs. 251.41 cc, p = 0.59) were less, but the incidence of revascularization required (29% vs. 33%, p = 0.62) and total complications (26% vs. 36%, p = 0.32) were lower in EG compared to NEG. Similarly, according to the subgroup analysis, no significant differences were detected in the surgical time, BL, adverse events (AEs), and the revascularization in EG when compared to NEG for type I (n = 5 vs. 7), II (n = 105 vs. 27), and III (n = 20 vs. 5), respectively except for the surgical duration in type III (p &lt; 0.05). However, a significantly lower incidence of AEs (230.25 vs. 350 cc, p = 0.038) and a decline in BL (28.57% vs. 48.15%, p = 0.049) in EG were observed compared to those in NEG patients for large CBTs (≥ 30 mm as the cutoff point). No surgery-related mortality was observed during the follow-up.

Conclusions

CBTs can be surgically resected safely and effectively with a need for pre-TAE, which significantly decreases the overall BL and AEs for large lesions (≥ 30 mm).

Current trends in carotid body tumors: Comprehensive review

BACKGROUND

Carotid body tumor (CBT) is a rare neoplasm that has been increasingly studied during the last decades; nevertheless, it continues to be a topic of controversy. This review aims to provide an update on the general features of CBT and particularly review different treatment strategies and primary outcomes.

METHODS

Data for this literature review were identified by PubMed, Scopus, and Medline. 93 articles from the initial search were included, as well as 28 relevant studies utilizing the snowballing method; totaling 121 articles about CBT.

RESULTS

Main features such as anatomy, embryology, genetics, clinical presentation, and diagnosis of CBT are presented, followed by evidence of different treatment strategies such as radiotherapy, preoperative embolization, vascular resection, and vascular reconstruction. Main complications are also discussed.

CONCLUSION

This review summarizes the most critical aspects regarding CBT. Future studies should compare different treatments to attain the best surgical results with lower morbidity rates.

Efficacy and safety of preoperative embolization in carotid body tumor treatment: A propensity score matching retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

To assess the efficacy and safety of preoperative embolization (PE) in patients with carotid body tumor (CBTs).

METHODS

In a single-center retrospective cohort study, 127 patients underwent surgical resection of CBTs from January 2003 to December 2019. One-to-one propensity score matching was conducted between patients with or without PE.

RESULTS

Thirty-two (25.2%) patients received PE. After propensity score matching, no statistically significant differences were found in the baseline characteristics of 28 patients in each group. Compared with NPE group, operative time and estimated blood loss (EBL) were significantly reduced in the PE group. The incidence of stroke, perioperative complications, intraoperative blood transfusion, vascular reconstruction, hospital stay, tumor recurrence, and all-cause mortality were not different between the PE and NPE group.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative embolization was efficient and safe with a reduction of intraoperative blood loss and operative time during CBT resection.

Assessment of Carotid Body Tumors by Superb Microvascular Imaging of Feeding Arteries During Preoperative Evaluation

Purpose:

Superb microvascular imaging (SMI) has led to new advances in vascular imaging applications. This study aimed to explore the blood supply and feeding arteries of carotid body tumors (CBTs) on SMI to improve the accuracy of information available to surgeons.

Methods

Twenty-six CBT lesions were subjected to color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) and SMI and were later confirmed by pathology. The blood flow patterns and feeding arteries of the CBTs on CDFI and SMI were graded and compared.

Results

The feeding arteries of two CBT lesions, which were not visible on CDFI, were identified as the internal carotid artery (ICA) on SMI. The feeding arteries of three CBTs were judged to stem from both the ICA and the external carotid artery (ECA) (MIX) based on SMI compared to the ICA or ECA on CDFI. We classified the feeding arteries of CBTs as originating from the ICA or others (including the ECA and MIX). One hundred percent (3/3) of the CBT lesions stemming from the ICA had Adler I or Adler II blood flow patterns, and 100% (23/23) of the CBT lesions stemming from other arteries had Adler II or Adler III blood flow patterns. Higher Adler categories were assigned based on SMI than CDFI (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

SMI may be superior to CDFI in detecting the vascularity of CBTs, and SMI revealed more potential feeding arteries of CBTs than CDFI. CBTs originating from the ICA are less vascular than those originating from the ECA.

Impact of Preoperative Embolization on Carotid Body Tumor Surgery

OBJECTIVES

In this study, investigation of the effect of preoperative carotid body tumor embolization (CBTE) on the amount of bleeding, vascular and neurological complications in carotid body tumors was aimed.

METHODS

50 patients treated for 51 carotid body tumors in 2 clinics, between 2005 and 2020 were evaluated. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) embolization of the carotid body tumor was performed in 23 patients before the surgical excision. The results were compared with the remaining 28 patients, whom CBTE was not performed, in terms of neurological complications, requirement of additional vascular interventions, bleeding amount, and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Mean bleeding amount was significantly lower in CBTE group (406ml-217ml p<0.05). Median erythrocyte suspension (ES) transfusion was significantly lower in the CBTE group (0.3 units vs. 1.1 units, p<0.05). Neurological deficits developed in a total of 13 patients, 6 of whom were in the CBTE group and 7 in the non-CBTE group, in the early postoperative period (p=0.90). No significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of additional vascular interventions and length of hospital stay (p=0.79 and p=0.61).

CONCLUSIONS

Carotid body tumors are rarely encountered tumors. However, their surgical excision is challenging for surgeons regarding intraoperative and postoperative bleeding. This study demonstrates that preoperative CBTE significantly reduces the amount of bleeding, especially in Shamblin II/III tumors.

Bilateral Giant Familial Carotid Body Tumors With Concomitant Skull-Base Paraganglioma and Facial Nerve Palsy

Carotid body tumors, rare neck paragangliomas arising from the common carotid artery bifurcation, can be classified as sporadic, hyperplastic, or familial. The familial type is often bilateral and associated with germline mutation of the mitochondrial enzyme succinate dehydrogenase. We report the rare case of a 42-year-old man who presented with bilateral giant familial carotid body tumors associated with a concomitant skull-base paraganglioma, left-sided facial nerve palsy, and an incomplete circle of Willis. We describe the excision of the tumors in 2 stages (the left mass and associated paraganglioma first and the right mass second), 6 months apart, with use of general anesthesia, and we discuss other operative considerations.

Paragangliomas of the head and neck

Paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors that can be found from the skull base to the pelvis. Head and neck paragangliomas have been historically treated with surgery. However, surgical resection adds risk of injury to vascular structures and cranial nerves that can lead to morbidity such as hoarseness, dysarthria, dysphagia, or aspiration. Recently, improved understanding of the behavior of these tumors and increasing experience in non-surgical treatments such as observation and radiation therapy, have changed the paradigms of management of this entity. Multiple series now show a trend towards a more conservative management, with a higher percentage of patients being observed or treated with radiotherapy. Several factors should be taken into consideration when deciding the most appropriate treatment for head and neck paragangliomas, starting by differentiating carotid body tumors from non- carotid body tumors. In general, surgical resection is normally recommended for carotid body tumors as the complications from treatment are usually minimal. In contrast, for non- carotid body tumors, surgery is often associated with significant functional impairment due to cranial nerve paralysis. As such, non-surgical treatment is now usually recommended for this subset of head and neck paragangliomas. In young patients with no comorbidities and a small to medium carotid body tumors, surgery should be considered. Moreover, surgery should be offered for secreting tumors, malignant tumors, tumors with rapid growth or increase in symptomatology, and when radiotherapy cannot be performed. Conversely, conservative management with active surveillance or radiotherapy can be offered in the remaining cases in order to avoid unnecessary morbidity while still providing acceptable tumor control.

Safety and technical efficacy of pre-operative embolization of head and neck paragangliomas: A 10-year mono-centric experience and systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To retrospectively evaluate the safety and technical success of pre-operative embolization (POE) of head and neck paragangliomas (HNP) in a single-center cohort over a 10-year period, and to benchmark our results with those derived from a systematic analysis of the available literature.

METHODS

All consecutive HNP embolized between November 2010 and April 2020 were included and reviewed. In total, there were 27 HNP in 27 patients [8 (30%) males; 19 (70%) females; mean age 53 ± 16 years; range 30-86]. Embolization technique, total procedure time, dose area product (DAP), complications, rate of HNP devascularization, and technical success (i.e. ≥80% devascularization of the HNP) were recorded and analyzed. A systematic analysis on the safety and technical success of POE was then conducted according to the Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

RESULTS

Twenty-one (21/27; 78%) HNP were treated with an endovascular approach and 6/27 (22%) with a percutaneous or combined (endovascular/percutaneous) technique. Mean total procedure time and DAP were 108 ± 48 min (range 45-235) and 92.5 ± 61.3 Gy·cm² (range 19.9-276.0), respectively. Two (2/27; 7%) complications (one minor, one major) were observed. Mean HNP devascularization was 88 ± 15% (range 23-100) with technical success achieved in 24/27 (89%) HNP. Literature analysis revealed a pooled rate of complication and technical success of 3.8% (95% CI: 0.5-8.8%) and 79.0% (95% CI: 63.6-91.6%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

POE of HNP is safe and results in extensive devascularization in the majority of treated tumors.

The earlier, the better: The beneficial effect of different timepoints of the preoperative transarterial embolization on ameliorating operative blood loss and operative time for carotid body tumors

BACKGROUND

To explore the effect of the optimal time interval from preoperative transarterial embolization to surgery of carotid body tumors by analyzing surgery-related indicators.

METHODS

This single-center retrospective review included 103 patients and 108 carotid body tumor resections performed between June 2010 and June 2020. All carotid body tumors were divided into three groups based on interval time between transarterial embolization and surgery: 1-day group (G1), 2-day group (G2), and 3-day group (G3). Demographics, inflammatory biomarkers, periprocedural details, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Among 103 patients, 48.54% were women, and the mean age was 37.07 years. The tumor sizes were 43.83, 44.31, and 42.84 mm in G1, G2, and G3, respectively, and the blood loss and operative time were 163.68, 331.54, and 683.68 mL, and 182.32, 216.31, and 280.79 mins with the prolonged time interval, respectively. Compared with pretransarterial embolization, the expression of white blood cells (10⁹/L) and neutrophils (10⁹/L) were obviously increased post-transarterial embolization in the three groups (G1: white blood cells 6.81 vs 9.32; neutrophils 0.54 vs 0.74, all P < .05. G2: white blood cells 7.19 vs 10.01, P = .118; neutrophils 0.54 vs 0.77, P < .05. G3: white blood cells 7.08 v. 12.37; neutrophils 0.59 vs 0.80, all P < .05), and those in G3 were significantly higher than those in G1. The incidences of revascularization, which was 30.26%, 53.85%, and 42.10%, and adverse events (26.32%, 30.77%, and 21.05%) were not significantly different among G1, G2, and G3.

CONCLUSION

The optimal time interval between preoperative transarterial embolization and surgical resection resulted as 1 day as patients in this group showed obvious lower blood loss and shorter duration of operation than patients in other groups. Both inflammation and recanalization provided support for these results at some extent.

A rare case of carotid body tumor associated with near complete cerebral sinus thrombosis and idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Management strategy and review of the literature

Background

Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are rare hypervascular lesions with critical location which makes them very challenging to treat. In rare occasions, compression of the jugular vein from the tumor mass could predispose to progressive thrombosis of intracranial venous sinuses. The latter consequently leads to intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri) with the accompanying danger to the vision. Herewith, we present our management strategy for this rare presentation of CBTs.

Case Description

A 38-year-old woman, with no medical history, was admitted in the emergency unit with acute onset of headache, dizziness, and vomiting. On the diagnostic imaging studies (CT venography and MRI) a near total occlusion of all cerebral venous sinuses and a large CBT (Shambin Type II) were diagnosed. Initially, the patient was treated with anticoagulants for the thrombosis and with lumbo-peritoneal (LP) shunt for the management of pseudotumor cerebri. At a second stage, after resolution of the cerebral sinus thrombosis, the CBT was completely resected under electrophysiological monitoring, without preoperative embolization. At 1-year follow-up, the patient is neurologically intact with functioning LP shunt, patent cerebral venous sinuses, without tumor recurrence.

Conclusion

We present a rare case of CBT with intracranial complications, which was managed successfully by staged treatment. Careful study of the preoperative radiological and laboratory data, thorough preoperative planning of the tridimensional lesion anatomy, as well as meticulous microsurgical technique under intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring was essential for the successful outcome of the case.

Head and neck paragangliomas: Ten years of experience in a third health center. A cohort study

Head and neck paragangliomas are rare vascular tumors derived from the paraganglionic system, located at the carotid body, jugular vein, tympanic cavity and vagal nerve.

From 2010 to 2020, a cohort of 26 patients divided in two groups, 15 with cervical paragangliomas and 11 with temporal bone paragangliomas, was reviewed by analysing the medical history, the epidemiological and clinical parameters, the imaging results and classification, the modality of treatment and outcome.

Cervical paragangliomas present as firm and pulsatile mass with the characteristic aspect of “salt and pepper” on MRI T1 weighted sequences. The most common type on Shamblin classification was the type II. Total surgical resection was performed in 93,33% of cases. The sensitivity of MRI in the diagnosis of vagal paragangliomas was up to 75%, with a specificity of 90,91% and the correlation of the MRI results and the findings of surgical exploration is significant with p ⩽ 0.02.

Temporal bone paragangliomas appear as pulsatile mass behind the tympanic membrane, causing variable hearing loss in 90,90% of the cases. The facial nerve is the most frequently affected cranial nerve, in 36,36% of the cases. The main type according to FISH classification is the type B. Embolization was performed in all type C tumors. Surgery was the first line treatment while the inoperable patients were considered for radiotherapy.

The aim of this study is to report the main clinical features of head and neck paragangliomas, the imaging tools and findings evaluating their sensitivity and specificity and the treatment protocol and outcome.

•

Head and neck paragangliomas are rare, usually benign hypervascular tumors, characterized by slow growth over time.

•

Typical clinical manifestations and imaging evaluation should be considered together to establish the treatment protocol.

•

MRI is efficient to detect vagal paragangliomas.

•

Surgery provides excellent control of the tumor while radiation therapy is considered for surgery contraindication.

Operative management of symptomatic, metachronous carotid body tumors involving the skull base and its neurological sequelae

A 44-year-old morbidly obese woman with a history of right carotid body tumor (CBT) resection presented with a symptomatic, nonfunctional, left Shamblin-III CBT. Abutment of the skull base precluded distal internal carotid artery control for arterial reconstruction, favoring parent vessel sacrifice after an asymptomatic provocative test. She underwent CBT resection with anticipated sacrifice of cranial nerves X and XII and the common carotid artery and its branches, developing baroreceptor failure syndrome and sequelae of cranial nerve sacrifice. When facing a symptomatic, metachronous CBT abutting the skull base, upfront operative intervention with adjuvant radiation for residual tumor optimizes curative resection.

Diagnosis and outcomes of surgical treatment of carotid bifurcation tumors

Objective

To retrospectively review our experience with the diagnosis and treatment of carotid bifurcation tumors (CBFT).

Methods

This was a retrospective study of 60 patients with CBFT who underwent surgical and conservative treatment. The patients’ clinicopathological features, imaging examination findings, treatment strategy, and prognosis were analyzed. The surgical grade, blood loss, tumor size, operative time, and postoperative complications were analyzed by Spearman’s correlation.

Results

Resection was performed in 52 patients with 53 tumors. The mean tumor volume, operative time, estimated blood loss, and follow-up time was 47.62 ± 65.28 cm³, 176.1 ± 86.55 minutes, 231.3 ± 354.0 mL, and 44.42 ± 29.30 months, respectively. Pathological examination showed that the number of carotid body tumors (CBT; paraganglioma), neurilemmoma, mesenchymal tissue tumor, and angioleiomyoma was 42, 8, 1, and 1, respectively. Of the CBT group, the rate of Shamblin Type I, II, and III was 11.9%, 59.5%, and 28.6%, and three cases were malignant CBT with lymph node metastasis. Spearman’s correlation analysis showed that complication grade was significantly related to surgical difficulty grade and operative time.

Conclusion

CBT is the most frequent lesion in CBFT, and CBT may be treated safely by surgical management. The severity of surgical complications is significantly correlated with surgical difficulty.

Imaging criteria to predict Shamblin group in carotid body tumors - revisited

PURPOSE

This study aims to compare the imaging findings of carotid body tumors on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) with the intraoperative Shamblin grade and to evolve an imaging-based scoring system that can accurately predict the Shamblin grade.

METHODS

Preoperative contrast-enhanced CT scans of 40 patients who underwent surgical excision of carotid body tumors in our institution between 2004 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The angle of contact with the internal carotid artery (ICA), tumor volume, presence of peritumoral tuft of veins, loss of tumor adventitia interface and distance from the skull base were assessed and compared with the intraoperative Shamblin grades of the tumor. Ordinal logistic regression was used to determine which parameters could be predictors of the Shamblin grades. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were used to score the tumor volumes.

RESULTS

Among the 42 tumors evaluated, 6 (14.3%) were surgically classified as Shamblin I, 15 (35.7%) as Shamblin II, and 21 (50%) as Shamblin III tumors. Pairwise comparison between the three Shamblin groups showed a statistically significant difference for angle of contact with ICA, maximum tumor dimension, presence of peritumoral tuft of veins and loss of tumor adventitia interface (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.038 and p = 0.003, respectively). However, tumor volumes and distance from skull base were not significantly different between the Shamblin groups (p = 0.136 and p = 0.682). A scoring system, including four of the above mentioned parameters (angle of contact with ICA, tumor volume, presence of peritumoral tuft of veins, and loss of tumor adventitia interface) was developed with a maximum score of 8 and a minimum of 2. A statistically significant difference was found between the final scores among the three Shamblin groups (p < 0.001). Using ROC curves, a final score of ≥6 was found to separate Shamblin grade III tumors from grade I and II tumors (sensitivity, 95.24%; specificity, 71.43%). All patients with documented intraoperative estimated blood loss of >1000 mL had Shamblin grade III tumors. Postoperative complications like stroke, ICA thrombosis and lower cranial nerve palsies were seen only with Shamblin grade II and III tumors.

CONCLUSION

The simple scoring system we have proposed correlates well with the Shamblin grade and helps in identifying patients who have a higher risk of developing complications.

Resorbable Purified Porcine Skin Gelatin Cross-Linked with Glutaraldehyde Spheres for Preoperative Embolization of Carotid Body Paraganglioma

Chemodectomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors that typically arise at the carotid bifurcation and progressively englobe the internal and external carotid artery. Surgical asportation of the capsulated mass is the elective treatment. Pre-procedural embolization of this high vascular tumors is highly recommended because it has shown to improve surgical outcome by reducing both, mean blood loss and total operation time. Many different embolization techniques have been described in literature. In the here presented case we opted for an endovascular approach using resorbable purified porcine skin gelatin cross-linked with glutaraldehyde microspheres (Optisphere - MEDTRONIC) as an embolic agent. These turned out to be very safe and effective in improving surgical outcome by reducing operative blood loss and thus reducing treatment-related morbidity.

The effect of preoperative embolization on surgical outcomes for carotid body tumor resection

Objective:

Compare the effects of preoperative embolization for carotid body tumor resection on surgical outcomes to carotid body tumor resections without preoperative embolization.

Methods:

Single-center retrospective review of all consecutive patients who underwent carotid body tumor resection from 2001 to 2019. Surgical outcomes with emphasis on operative time (estimated blood loss and cranial nerve injury) of patients undergoing carotid body tumor resection following preoperative embolization were compared to those undergoing resection alone using unpaired Student’s t-test and Fisher’s exact test.

Results:

Forty-six patients (15% male, mean age 50 ± 15 years) underwent resection of 49 carotid body tumors. Patients undergoing preoperative embolization (n = 20 (40%)) had larger mean tumor size (4.0 ± 0.7 vs 3.2 ± 1 cm, p = 0.006), increased Shamblin II/III tumor classification (18 (90%) vs 22 (76%), p < 0.001), operative time (337 ± 195 vs 199 ± 100 min, p = 0.004), and cranial nerve injuries overall (8 (40%) vs 2 (10%), p = 0.01) compared to patients undergoing resection without preoperative embolization (n = 29 (60%)). In subgroup analysis of Shamblin II/III classification tumors (n = 40), preoperative embolization (n = 18) was associated with increased tumor size (4.1 ± 0.6 vs 3.5 ± 0.9 cm, p = 0.01), operative time (351 ± 191 vs 244 ± 105 min, p = 0.02), and cranial nerve injury overall (8 (44%) vs 2 (9%), p = 0.03) compared to resections alone (n = 19). In further subgroup analysis of large (⩾ 3 cm) tumors (n = 37), preoperative embolization (n = 18) was associated with increased operative time (350 ± 191 vs 198 ± 99 min, p = 0.006) and cranial nerve injury overall (8 (44%) vs 2 (11%), p = 0.03) compared to resections alone (n = 19). There were no significant differences in estimated blood loss, transfusion requirement, or hematoma formation between any of the embolization and non-embolization subgroups.

Conclusion:

After controlling for tumor Shamblin classification and size, carotid body tumor resections following preoperative embolization were associated with increased operative time and inferior surgical outcomes compared to those tumors undergoing resection alone. Nonetheless, such results remain susceptible to the confounding effects of individual tumor characteristics often used in the decision to perform preoperative embolization, underscoring the need for prospective studies evaluating the utility of preoperative embolization for carotid body tumors.

Results of resection of carotid body tumors with and without lymphnodes' dissection

BACKGROUND

Carotid body tumor (CBT) is a slow-growing tumor arising from the carotid body, a chemoceptor organ lying behind the carotid artery bifurcation. Although rarely, metastases can occur distally through the hematogenous route and through the lymphatic route.to the cervical lymphnodes. The purpose of this study was to assess whether lymphnodes' resection should systematically be associated with the primary resection of a CBT.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 82 patients, 52 women of a mean age of 42 years undergoing resection of 88 CBT from 1994 to 2019. CBT were divided into 2 groups. Tumors in group A (n = 23, 26%) were treated by resection of the mass followed by a selective latero-cervical lymphadenectomy; tumors in group B (n = 65, 74%) underwent isolated resection of the mass. The study's primary endpoints were postoperative stroke/mortality rate, disease-specific survival and rate of local and distant recurrence of the disease.

RESULTS

Postoperative stroke-mortality rate was nil. One patient in group A (4.3%) presented a minor weakness of the contralateral arm, completely regressive within 12 h. One patient in group B (1.5%) died of liver and lung metastases 51 months after operation, no patient died of recurrent disease in group A (p = .62). No nodal recurrence was observed in group A, whereas one patient in group B (1.5%) presented nodal recurrence 39 months after primary tumor resection (p = .58) CONCLUSION: Selective lymphadenectomy associated with CBT resection does not increase the overall long-term survival and cannot be considered mandatory. It may help to better define the stage of the disease and to plan eventual adjuvant treatments.

Proposed modification to the Shamblin's classification of carotid body tumors: A single-center retrospective experience of 116 tumors

OBJECTIVES

Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are rare head and neck neoplasms, we aimed to propose a modification to the Shamblin's classification of CBTs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 105 patients (116 CBTs) operated at our institution from March 2013 to July 2020. CBTs were divided by a modified Shamblin's classification into five subtypes (type I-V) based on the radiographic features. Correlations between modified classification and intraoperative bleeding, internal carotid artery (ICA) bypass and postoperative neural complications, as main outcomes, as well as other outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Surgeries for type V and type I CBTs had the most (median: 700 ml, IQR: 375-1575 ml) and least (median: 20 ml, IQR: 20-50 ml) bleeding, respectively. Intraoperatively, ICA bypass was needed in 41.7% (10/24) type V, 18.2% (8/44) type IV and 5.9% (1/17) type III lesions, but not in other subtypes (p = .001). Postoperatively, overall cranial nerve deficits (CND) were found most frequently in type V tumors (17/24, 70.8%) (p = .016). Permanent CND were found in 33.3% (8/24) type V and 4.5% (2/44) type IV lesions, but not in other subtypes (p = .001). Other outcomes including external carotid artery ligation, operation time, blood transfusion, postoperative intensive unit care and postoperative hospitalization also showed significant difference among different subtypes. Patients recovered uneventfully during a follow-up of 23.5 ± 16.2 months except for one ipsilateral recurrence at 42 months after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The modified classification was correlated with surgical outcomes of CBTs and will be helpful for making surgical plans.

Preoperative embolization of a cavernous hemangioma of the rectum

Colorectal cavernous hemangioma is a rare benign vascular neoplasia that may be found in any segment of the colon and cause recurrent and painless rectal bleeding. Standard treatment of rectal hemangioma consists of resection of the affected segment followed by coloanal anastomosis. Massive bleeding during the operation is the most feared complication, especially during extensive resection or reoperation. The authors describe a preoperative embolization of a rectal hemangioma with Onyx-18® and microspheres, in a 49-year-old patient with successful prevention of uncontrolled hemorrhage during surgery.

Results of surgical resection of carotid body tumors: A twenty-year experience

This study examines whether surgical resection of carotid body tumors (CBTs) is acceptable in light of potential significant neurologic complications. This IRB-approved retrospective study analyzed data from 24 patients undergoing surgical treatment for CBTs between April 1998 and April 2017 at Mayo Clinic (Florida campus only). For patients who underwent multiple CBT resections, only data from the first surgery was used in this analysis. CBT resection occurred in 24 patients with the following demographics: fourteen patients (58.3%) were female, median age was 56.5 years, median BMI was 29. A prior history of neoplasm was found in ten patients (41.7%). A known family history of paraganglioma was present in five patients (20.8%). Two patients were positive for succinate dehydrogenase mutation (8.3%). Multiple paragangliomas were present in seven patients (29.2%). There was nerve sacrifice in three patients (12.5%) during resection. Carotid artery reconstruction and patch angioplasty occurred in one patient (4.2%). Complete resection occurred in 24 patients (100.0%). Postoperatively, one patient (4.2%) suffered stroke. No mortalities occurred within or beyond 30 days of surgery. Persistent cranial nerve injury occurred in two patients (8.3%) with vocal cord paralysis. There was no recurrence of CBT through last follow-up. Five patients (20.8%) were diagnosed with other neoplasms after resection, including basal cell carcinoma, contralateral carotid body tumor, glomus vagale, and glomus jugulare. There was 100% survival at 1 year in patients followed for that time (n = 17). Surgical treatment remains the first-line curative treatment to relieve symptoms and ensure non-recurrence. While acceptable, neurologic complications are significant and therefore detailed preoperative informed consent is mandatory.

Multispecialty surgical management of carotid body tumors in the modern era

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the perioperative and long-term outcomes of carotid body tumor (CBT) resection with a multispecialty (head and neck surgery/vascular surgery) approach.

METHODS

Our institutional data registry was queried for Current Procedural Terminology codes (60600, 60605) pertaining to CBT excision. These patient records and operative reports were individually reviewed to determine laterality, preoperative tumor embolization, operative time, estimated blood loss, need for intraoperative transfusion, intraoperative electroencephalogram changes, intraoperative division of the external carotid artery, carotid artery repair, resection of the carotid bifurcation, tumor volume, final pathology, cranial nerve injury, stroke, death, and clinical or radiographic evidence of recurrence.

RESULTS

From 1996 to 2018, 74 CBT resections were identified in 68 patients (41 [60%] females; mean age, 50.83 years). The mean tumor volume was 9.92 ± 14.26 cm³ (range, 0.0250-71.0627 cm³). Embolization was performed by a neurointerventional specialist in 27 CBT resections (36%) based on size (embolization 14.27 ± 16.84 cm³ vs 7.17 ± 11.86 cm³; P = .063) and superior extension. This practice resulted in one asymptomatic vertebral dissection, which postponed the surgery. There was a trend toward greater blood loss in the embolization group (embolization 437 ± 545 mL vs 262 ± 222 mL; P = .17); however, no transfusions were required in any patient. The mean operative time was also significantly longer in the embolization group (198.33 ± 61.13 minutes vs 161.5 ± 55.56 minutes; P = .03). Three resections had reversible intraoperative electroencephalogram changes, one of which occurred during carotid clamping. These changes resolved with shunting. Eight external carotid resections (11%) and 6 carotid reconstructions (8.1%; two primary, two patch, and two primary anastomosis) were required. Malignancy was identified in four tumors (5.4%), accounting for four of the six carotid reconstructions. There were no postoperative cranial nerve injuries, no strokes, no reexplorations, and no deaths. One patient developed transient dysphagia from pharyngeal tumor infiltration. Long-term follow-up (mean, 43 ± 54 months), available in 61 of the 68 patients (89.7%), revealed three (4.4%) recurrences.

CONCLUSIONS

This large, single-institution series demonstrates that a multispecialty team combining two surgical skill sets for the treatment of this rare, challenging condition yields unparalleled low complication rates with short operative times. This approach, including long-term surveillance for recurrent disease, should be considered to optimize outcomes of CBT resection.