Efficacy and Safety of Preoperative Embolization in Glomus Jugulare Tumors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Clinical Outcomes and Complications.

PURPOSE: This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the clinical benefits, complications, and safety profile associated with preoperative embolization in Glomus jugulare tumors (GJTs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive search in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted for English articles published up to March 2023, focusing on GJTs and preoperative embolization. Included studies involved patients over 18 with GJTs. We excluded studies that explored embolization methods other than the standard endovascular approach, as well as studies involving paragangliomas that did not provide specific data related to GJTs. Key variables such as hemorrhage volume and surgical time, as well as clinical outcomes, were analyzed. Data were analyzed using a random-effects model meta-analysis, assessing heterogeneity with the I2 statistic. RESULTS: This review encompasses 19 studies with a total of 328 patients. The studies incorporated into our meta-analysis display considerable differences and inconsistencies in their data. The findings of the meta-analysis show a mean hemorrhage volume of 636 ml (95% confidence interval (CI) 473-799) following preoperative embolization, and a mean surgical duration of 487 min (95% CI 350-624). The study also notes potential complications: facial nerve deficits occurred in 20% of cases (95% CI 11-32%), and vagal nerve deficits in 22% (95% CI 13-31%). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that preoperative embolization could decrease surgery duration and blood loss, but emphasizes the importance of evaluating risks like nerve damage. However, the generalizability of these findings is restricted due to the diversity of available data.

Paraganglioma yugular bilateral: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Bilateral jugular paraganglioma: case report and review of the literature

Resumen El paraganglioma (PG) es una neoplasia infrecuente originada de las células paraganglionares, embriológicamente derivadas de la cresta neural. Se localizan en la cabeza, base de cráneo, cuello, mediastino, abdomen y pelvis. La mayor parte de los PG muestran un curso clínico benigno, sin embargo, algunos casos pueden mostrar un comportamiento biológico agresivo con invasión local y metástasis a distancia. Un avance significativo en patología molecular ha sido el reconocimiento que el 30%-40% de estas neoplasias presentan alteraciones genéticas. Se han descrito más de 45 genes involucrados, incluyendo mutaciones de la línea germinal succinato deshidrogenasa. Actualmente se recomienda hacer test genético a todos los portadores de PG incluyendo los de presentación esporádica. El PG más frecuente se ubica en la glándula suprarrenal llamado feocromocitoma. El diagnóstico definitivo se realiza con histología, sin embargo, el estudio imagenológico puede entregar una aproximación diagnóstica certera. Debido a la aceptación actual que todos los PG tienen potencial metastásico, el concepto de PG benigno y maligno ha cambiado a uno de estimación de riesgo de metástasis, aunque no existe un esquema único aceptado para tal efecto. El tratamiento considera la cirugía, la radioterapia, la observación y terapias combinadas. Dado el lento crecimiento de este tipo de neoplasia y las potenciales complicaciones de la terapia quirúrgica, la observación es una opción especialmente para pacientes añosos dejando las otras opciones para pacientes más jóvenes. En este trabajo se presenta un caso de paraganglioma yugular bilateral gigante tratado con radioterapia de intensidad modulada incluyendo una revisión bibliográfica pertinente.

Abstract Paraganglioma (PG) is a rare neoplasm derived from paraganglionic cells of the neural crest. They are located in the head, skull base, neck, mediastinum, abdomen and pelvis. Most PGs show a benign clinical course, however, some cases may show aggressive biological behavior with local invasion and distant metastasis. A significant advance in molecular pathology has been the recognition that 30%-40% of these neoplasms present genetic alterations; more than 45 genes have been described, including mutations of the germline succinate dehydrogenase. Currently it is recommended to make genetic test to all patients with PG, including sporadic presentation. The most frequent PG is located in the adrenal gland called pheochromocytoma. The definitive diagnosis is made with histology; however, the imaging study can provide an accurate diagnostic approach. It is now accepted that all PG have a metastatic potential, therefore the concept of benign or malignant has been changed to a metastasis risk stratification approach however no single scheme is been widely used. The treatment considers surgery, radiotherapy, observation and combination therapies. Given the slow growth of this type of neoplasia and the potential complications of surgical therapy, observation is an option especially for elderly patients leaving the other options for younger patients. In this work we present a case of giant bilateral jugular paraganglioma treated with intensity modulated radiation therapy, including a pertinent literature review.

Tumores glomicos em cabeca e pescoco: avaliacao por ressonancia magnetica / Glomus tumors in head and neck: evaluation by magnetic ressonance

Os tumores glomicos, lesoes altamente vascularizadas, apresentam crescimento lento e se originam do tecido paraganglionico. Na regiao da cabeca e pescoco localizam-se preferencialmente na bifurcacao carotidea, ao longo do nervo vago, no bulbo jugular e cavidade timpanica...

Glomus timpânico: relato de um caso / Glomus tympanic: report of a case

Os tumores glômicos säo abordados em seus aspectos histológico e clínico, de exames complementares ao diagnóstico e quanto ao tratamento. A seguir os autores ilustram estes comentários com um caso de glomus timpânico operado no serviço de otorrinolaringologia do Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho (HUCFF) - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)