Glomus Tumor of the Larynx: A Rare Synchronous Paraganglioma in a Patient with Bilateral Carotid Body Tumor Detected on 68Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT

Multiparametric analysis of carotid body tumours: a pictorial essay

Carotid body tumours (CBT), also called carotid body paraganglioma, are highly vascular and histologically portray paraganglion cells. They are typically found at the carotid bifurcation and result in the splaying of the internal and external carotid arteries (ICA and ECA). Recent literature supports the role of chronic hypoxia in the etiology of CBT. This pictorial essay discusses how CBT is an uncommon etiology for common clinical problems such as transient ischemic attacks. It also discusses imaging techniques to precisely map out the tumour for surgical resection using advanced imaging modalities and techniques.

Operative technique in laryngeal paraganglioma: A case series and literature review

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Level of Evidence

Laryngeal paragangliomas are a rare subset of head and neck neoplasms, of neuroendocrine origin. We present a series of four cases of confirmed laryngeal paragangliomas and discuss our operative technique using coblation‐assisted excision via laryngofissure.

Surgical Management of Bilateral Carotid Body Tumors

BACKGROUND

Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are rare neoplasms located in the carotid bifurcation. The majority of these tumors are unilateral; bilateral CBTs represent approximately 5% of all affected patients, and the recommended treatment is to surgically remove them in staged-planned surgeries. We describe the experience, outcomes, and the surgical management of bilateral CBTs in our institution.

METHODS

A retrospective review of CBTs patients was completed; patient demographics, comorbidities, lesion location, anatomic characteristics, surgical techniques, complications, reinterventions, and other factors that may influence outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 109 patients with CBTs were treated surgically; of these, 8 had bilateral CBTs (7%); the mean age was 56 years, and 7 (87%) were females. Thirteen surgical resections were performed, and in 2 of the cases, the pathology report was malignant (15%). Five were classified as Shamblin I (31%), 5 as Shamblin II (31%), and remaining 6 as Shamblin III (38%). The mean time between the first and second procedure was of 10.7 months. Complications included one case of neck hematoma requiring evacuation and postoperative neurologic complications occurred in three patients (one patient with facial and two with vocal cord palsies). None of the studied individuals had a family history of CBT, and all of them lived in altitude areas higher than 2000 meters above mean sea level (mamsl). The mean tumor size was 3.55 cm and 2.75 cm for right and left CBTs, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A better understanding of the clinical characteristics of patients with bilateral CBTs may lead to a more standardized and optimal management with fewer complications and a better quality of life afterward.