Identifying Factors Influencing Decision Making in Patients Diagnosed with Carotid Body Tumors: An Exploratory Study.

BACKGROUND: Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are rare highly vascularized and slow enlarging tumors arising from the paraganglionic tissue at the carotid bifurcation. Main treatment options for CBTs are surgical resection or "wait and scan" strategy. The choice for either strategy may be equally good medically in many patients. A structured "shared decision making" (SDM) might be helpful for guiding patients. OBJECTIVES: To develop an SDM strategy for the surgical treatment, we aim to (1) identify considerations and factors involved in the decision making of patients with CBTs and (2) evaluate the current practice in our clinic and explore the opinions of patients on their treatment. METHODS: This exploratory study was conducted in patients of the Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), The Netherlands. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were invited for a semi-structured interview. All conversations were fully audiotaped and transcripted. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were included and interviewed. Ten of these patients underwent previously surgical resection of at least one tumor. Five patients underwent the wait and scan policy. The most important factors influencing decision making in CBT treatment are family, fears, co-consultants, and doctor-patient relationship. CONCLUSIONS: This study has identified the factors influencing decision making in CBT and should be considered during consultations. The decision for surgery or not was mainly influenced by physician preferences and family members' prior experiences.

Descending musculospinal branch of the ascending pharyngeal artery as a feeder of carotid body tumors: Angio-architecture and embryological consideration.

INTRODUCTION: Although the ascending pharyngeal artery (APhA) is known as a main feeder of carotid body tumors (CBTs), its detailed architecture and embryological consideration have not been described. The objective of this study was to describe the architecture of a descending feeder of the APhA and to consider its origin embryologically through a review of our CBT embolizations. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from patients with CBTs who underwent transarterial embolization or angiographic examination-only between July 2010 and February 2017. The arterial supply of the tumors, the number of feeder pedicles, the mean tumor size, embolization materials, complication of embolization, and extent of tumor removal were assessed. The embryological origin of feeding artery was considered based on the literature. RESULTS: Eighteen patients with 20 CBTs underwent preoperative embolization or angiographic examination. The number of feeder pedicles was significantly related to the size of the CBT (P = 0.0002). The main feeding artery was the descending branch of APhA, which was hypertrophied and tortuous (18/20, 90%). Embryologically, this artery originated from the musculospinal branch and is termed the "descending musculospinal branch". CONCLUSION: The main feeder of the CBTs was the "descending musculospinal branch" of the APhA and needs special consideration such as dangerous anastomosis for embolization.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Presentation and Surgical Management of Patients With Carotid Body Tumours.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to determine the mode of presentation and 30 day procedural risks in 4418 patients with 4743 carotid body tumours (CBTs) undergoing surgical excision. METHODS: This is a systematic review and meta-analysis of 104 observational studies. RESULTS: Overall, 4418 patients with 4743 CBTs were identified. The mean age was 47 years, with the majority being female (65%). The commonest presentation was a neck mass (75%), of which 85% were painless. Dysphagia, cranial nerve injury (CNI), and headache were present in 3%, while virtually no one presented with a transient ischaemic attack (0.26%) or stroke (0.09%). The majority (97%) underwent excision, but only 21% underwent pre-operative embolisation. Overall, 27% were Shamblin I CBTs; 44% were Shamblin II; and 29% were Shamblin III. The mean 30 day mortality was 2.29% (95% CI 1.79-2.93). The mean 30 day stroke rate was 3.53% (95% CI 2.91-4.29), while the mean 30 day CNI rate was 25.4% (95% CI 24.5-31.22). The prevalence of persisting CNI at 30 days was 11.15% (95% CI 8.42-14.64). Twelve series (544 patients) correlated 30 day stroke with Shamblin status. Shamblin I CBTs were associated with a 1.89% stroke rate (95% CI 0.92-3.82), increasing to 2.71% (95% CI 1.43-5.07) for Shamblin II CBTs and 3.99% (95% CI 2.34-6.74) for Shamblin III tumours. Twenty-six series (1075 patients) correlated CNI rates with Shamblin status: 3.76% (95% CI 2.62-5.35) for Shamblin I CBTs, 14.14% (95% CI 11.94-16.68) for Shamblin II, and 17.10% (95% CI 14.82-19.65) for Shamblin III tumours. The prevalence of neck haematoma requiring re-exploration was 5.24% (95% CI 3.45-7.91). The proportion of patients with a neck haematoma requiring re-exploration was not reduced by pre-operative embolisation (5.92%; 95% CI 2.56-13.08) vs. no embolisation (5.82%; 95% CI 2.76-11.88). Pre-operative embolisation did not reduce drainage losses (639 mL vs. 653 mL). CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest meta-analysis of outcomes after CBT excision. Procedural risks associated with tumour excision were considerable, especially with Shamblin III tumours where 4% suffered a peri-operative stroke and 17% suffered a CNI.

Role of Preoperative Embolization in Surgical Treatment of the Carotid Body Paragangliomas.

In this study, we aimed to show the benefits of preoperative embolization on surgery of carotid body tumors.This is a retrospective study of the medical records of 20 patients who were operated for carotid body paragangliomas during 2011-2017. Computed tomography angiography (BTA) and/or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) were performed for the entire patients. Patients were assessed according to the Shamblin classification. All patients were subjected to direct cerebral angiography by the femoral route 24 to 48 hours before the surgery and tumor embolization was performed in the appropriate cases (19 patients). The amount of hemorrhage and transfusion need during surgery has been reported. The ages of the patients ranged from 21 to 66, with an average of 45.65. In 20 patients ascendan pharyngeal artery was found as the main artery of tumor. No complications were seen after the embolization procedure. Tumor sizes ranged from 12 mm to 95 mm diameter (mean: 45, 5 mm). 10 patients (50%) were Shamblin type 1, 6 patients (30%) were Shamblin type 2, 4 patients (20%) were Shamblin type 3. In 5 patients (25%), the nerve (N. vagus or hypoglossus) was sacrificed due to cranial nerve involvement. Vagal and hypoglossal nerve sacrificed together in 4 patients.These patients' tumor sizes were bigger than 70 mm. Only in 1 patient, internal carotid artery injured and reconstructed with saphenous vein graft. Neurological deficit did not develop postoperatively. Bleeding was mean 275 mL (125 mL-700 mL). In conclusion, we believe that preoperative embolization of carotid paraganglioma is an effective procedure that helps surgeon during dissection with minimal blood loss. The embolization is relatively easy procedure without no additional complications.

[Carotid body tumor and its treatment. A case report]. / A glomus caroticum paragangliomája és ellátása.

Our goal was to report a 44-year-old woman with carotid body tumor, and to give a brief and comprehensive presentation about the disease and summarize its complex management. Carotid body tumor is a rare, mostly sporadic, benign head and neck mass originating from the glomus caroticum. It occurs mostly in middle-aged women as a slowly growing, semifix, painless neck mass. The diagnosis is based upon the physical examination (pulsatile mass, Fontaine-sign) and - as the gold standard - CT-angiography. It should be established that preoperative embolisation by digital substraction angiography plays a crucial role in the treatment of carotid body tumors that should be followed by surgical removal. In case of inoperable/irresecable and residual tumors, radiotherapy is the treatment option. The patient was treated in our department in April 2017. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(36): 1487-1492.

Carotid Body Tumors: A Case Series and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Paragangliomas of the head and neck are rare vascular tumors derived from the paraganglia tissues originating from the neural crest. They are usually benign and hypervascularized. Diagnosis is relatively easy in condition to consider it in evaluating every lateral neck mass. METHODS: We made a retrospective study of the records of 10 patients who presented with carotid body tumors at the Department of Vascular surgery of the Military Hospital Avicenne in Marrakech during the period between 2008 and 2013. Epidemiologic, etiologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic features were analyzed. RESULTS: The average age of our patients was 35.4 years (26-55 years), with a male predominance (sex ratio = 2.33). We noted 7 cases of isolated carotid locations and 3 cases of multiple locations. A slow-growing neck mass was the main clinical presentation. Other signs were pain, dysphonia, dizziness, headache, and tinnitus. Physical examination showed, in most cases, a neck nontender mass with side to side mobility. Imaging techniques included Doppler ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging, and catheter arteriography. Urinary analysis for metanephrine was carried out in 1 case. The clinical presentation and imaging results strongly suggested the diagnosis of carotid paraganglioma in all cases. Treatment was surgical excision in all cases associated with a preoperative embolization in 1 case and a postoperative radiotherapy in 2 cases. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis, and a lymph node metastasis was suspected of malignity in 1 case. The evolution was favorable in all our patients. CONCLUSIONS: Carotid body tumor requires early diagnosis and an adequate multidisciplinary team. The diagnosis must be considered in the case of any pulsatile cervical mass. Surgery is the treatment of choice despite its risks especially in large tumors. The therapeutic indication should, ideally, be set in a multidisciplinary consultation.

[Percutaneous Phil™-Embolization for Preoperative Therapy of Carotid Body Paragangliomas]. / Perkutane Phil™-Embolisation zur präoperativen Therapie von Karotis-Paragangliomen.

Introduction: Paragangliomas are rare tumors representing a therapeutic challenge. In particular, the surgical removal may lead to life-threatening bleeding. The preoperative percutaneous embolization is an alternative that allows a high closure rate of tumor-feeding vessels in a short intervention time and thus significantly reduces intraoperative bleeding probability. Complete tumor resection is facilitated thereby. The use of a new non-adhesive liquid embolic agent is presented here. Methods: A 50-year old patient presented with 4 cm large paraganglioma of the carotid body (Shamblin II). A percutaneous embolization with 7 ml PHIL™ (injectable precipitating hydrophobic liquid) was performed preoperatively. 24 h later the complete surgical resection of the tumor was performed. Results: A good distribution of the liquid embolic agent could be achieved over the entire tumor. Intraoperative resection of the tumor was much easier and faster due to low bleeding tendency over the entire surface of the tumor. Total blood loss was less than 50 ml. All adjacent nerve and arterial structures could be spared. Postoperative nerve function was normal and the patient was discharged on the 4th postoperative day. Conclusion: The combination of percutaneous embolization and surgical resection provides a safe combination in the treatment of advanced carotid body paragangliomas. The use of a novel liquid embolic agent may possibly further optimize the therapy.

[Percutaneous embolization and ultrasound scissors for removal of a carotid body tumor]. / Behandlung eines Glomus caroticum mit perkutaner Embolisation und Ultraschallschere.

Paragangliomas are highly vascularized usually benign neoplasms originating from the sympathoadrenal and parasympathetic paraganglia of the autonomic nervous system. When resectable, the management of these tumors consists of surgical ablation preceded by transarterial embolization. The aim of this article is to describe a novel treatment strategy combining intralesional percutaneous embolization with dissection using ultrasound scissors. The case of a 74-year-old women presenting with a Shamblin type III carotid body paraganglioma is presented. The combined approach of percutaneous embolization and ultrasound scissors permitted complete resection of the tumor with preservation of both the internal and external carotid artery, without postoperative cranial nerve deficits and with minimal blood loss. Preoperative intralesional embolization with a liquid embolic agent less than 24 h prior to surgical intervention in combination with ultrasound scissors appears to be an excellent strategy for surgical management of carotid body paragangliomas.

Adjunct endovascular interventions in carotid body tumors.

OBJECTIVE: Most patients presenting with carotid body tumors (CBTs) seek medical attention when tumors have grown to exceed Shamblin I stage, rendering surgery a challenging undertaking and the associated morbidity a continuing threat to the clinical outcome. This study examined the availability, applicability, and overall clinical efficacy of adjunct endovascular interventions performed alongside CBT surgery and their potential in clinical decision making and clinical practice. METHODS: Studies reporting the feasibility, applicability, and clinical efficacy of adjunct endovascular interventions in the surgical management of CBTs were thoroughly searched using the Medline database from January 1967 to August 2013. RESULTS: There were no randomized studies on the efficacy of endovascular interventions in CBT surgery. Sixty studies met our inclusion criteria, reporting 465 patients (526 CBTs) with a mean age of 39.8 years. The treated CBTs were a mean size of 4.9 cm. Patients treated with surgery with the use of adjunct endovascular interventions had a mean blood loss of 368.4 mL (range, 25-to 2000 mL). There were 57 cranial nerve injuries, of which 28 (49.1%) were permanent. Cerebrovascular accident occurred in nine patients, of which one died. Hospital stay was a mean of 4.4 days (range, 2-17 days). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative selective endovascular embolization in patients with Shamblin II and Shamblin III CBTs may be beneficial when competently performed by interventional physicians proficient in neurovascular microcatheterization/embolization procedures.

A Rare Case of a Massive Carotid Body Tumor in a 3-Year-Old Infant: Case Presentation and a Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Paragangliomas are neuroendocrine tumors derived from the extra-adrenal paraganglia of the autonomic nervous system. Only 3% of all paragangliomas are reported to occur in the head and neck region. The most common paraganglioma of the head and neck is the carotid body tumor. Only few cases have been described in the literature regarding the pediatric age group less than aged 14 years, mostly as case reports. CASE REPORT: Our case describes a massive paraganglioma in the head and neck region occurring in a 3-year-old Arabic boy, for which surgical excision was not possible and radiotherapy resulted in a good clinical and radiologic response. CONCLUSIONS: Paragangliomas a rare in children and mostly diagnosed in a locally advanced stage. Surgery in most cases is difficult especially because of the proximity of the vessels; radiotherapy is still a good alternative for those cases.

Experiences in the treatment of patients with multiple head and neck paragangliomas.

PURPOSE: To analyze treatment results in the multidisciplinary management of patients with multiple head and neck paragangliomas (HNPs). METHODS: Retrospective analysis including all patients with multiple HNPs (VP, vagal paraganglioma; JTP, jugulotympanic paraganglioma; CBT, carotid body tumor) treated between 2000 and 2013 at a tertiary referral center. RESULTS: Ten patients (three men, seven women) had 25 HNPs (two VPs, eight JTPs, and 15 CBTs). The age range at diagnosis was 31-71 years (mean 40.9 years, median 37 years). Nine tumors (four CBTs, three JTPs, two VPs) were treated only with stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT; 50.4-56Gy, mean 55.3Gy) or in one case intensity-modulated radiotherapy (60 Gy). Nine tumors were treated with surgery alone (eight CBTs, one JTP) and three JTPs with subtotal surgery combined with adjuvant SRT. A "wait and scan" strategy was used in three cases (two CBTs, one JTP). The mean follow-up period was 4.3 years (range 0.1-13 years, median 4 years). The rate of tumor control with surgery and/or SRT was 100% (21/21). One patient with a wait-and-scan strategy for CBT had slow asymptomatic progression during a 13-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment results in this series of patients with multiple HNPs show that a very high rate of long-term tumor control with low morbidity can be achieved using tailored and individualized approaches. All of the different treatment strategies available should be discussed with the patient. In particular, the treatment should involve a multidisciplinary team of experts in the fields of nuclear medicine, genetics, pathology, radiology, radio-oncology, and surgery.

[Diagnostic and therapeutic analysis of malignant carotid body tumors].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of the malignant carotid body tumor. METHODS: The data of pathology, diagnosis, therapy and follow-up of seven patients with malignant carotid body tumor in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from Dec 1949 to Dec 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: 2 cases without the tumor resection. 5 cases were treated with surgical methods, 4 cases with tumor resection and external carotid artery ligation, 1 case with tumor resection and reconstruction of internal carotid artery with saphenous vein. Cranial nerve palsy occurred in 5 cases, of which 3 occurred hypoglossal nerve damage, 2 cases occurred vagus damage, 1 case with hypoglossal, vagus and sympathetic nerve damage. Follow-up was from 2 to 12 years. local tumor recurrence happened in 2-year postoperation and got remote bone and pancreas metastasis in 5-year postoperation in one case, and finally died in 7-year postoperation. 1 case had the internal carotid artery restenosis severely in 1-year postoperation, then performed the stent treatment. 2 cases without operation were still alive. Interestingly, the tumor after radiotherapy was steady in one case. The other received the tumor resection because of the severe syndrome after 8 years. CONCLUSION: the diagnosis of malignant carotid body tumor should base on occurring extensive invasion of adjacent organs, metastasis and pathology. Early stage surgical excision can reduce the recurrence and complication. Radiotherapy can effectively control local size and distant metastasis.

Recurrent carotid body tumors: embolization as a treatment option.

INTRODUCTION: We report a clinical case where transcatheter embolization was selected as the primary treatment for a large recurrent carotid body tumor CLINICAL CASE: A 55 year-old female presented with a painful left cervical mass, with progressive growth, for the past 12 months. She complained of jaw stiffness, odynophagia and dysphonia. She had a former history of bilateral carotid body tumor resection. The patient underwent carotid ultrasound examination that showed a recurrent left carotid body tumor with 7x5 cm in dimension, and occlusion of the left internal carotid artery. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the presence of a Shamblin type III tumor. The patient underwent transcatheter embolization of the tumor with 300-500 µm and 500-700 µm Bead-Block®. At 1 year of follow-up, the patient was found asymptomatic. DISCUSSION: The carotid body is located at the bifurcation of the common carotid artery. With increased size, carotid body tumors can induce significant symptoms and are usually detected by clinical examination. Confirmation of diagnosis is usually given by vascular ultrasound. For highly symptomatic, recurrent and frequently unresectable tumors--in patients unfit for surgery--transcatheter embolization can also be used as an effective palliative treatment.

Current management of carotid body tumors.

Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are neoplasms that occur at the bifurcation of the carotid artery and are pathologically classified as paragangliomas. In the 4th edition of the WHO classification, paragangliomas are categorized as neoplasms with malignant potential. Clinically, about 5% of CBTs present with malignant features such as metastasis. Currently, it is challenging to distinguish between tumors with benign courses and those that present malignantly. Recent advances in genetic testing have elucidated the genetic characteristics of paragangliomas, including carotid body tumors. Over 20 genes have been identified as being involved in tumor development. Particularly in head and neck paragangliomas, abnormalities in genes related to succinate dehydrogenase are frequently observed. Research is ongoing to understand the mechanisms by which these genes contribute to tumor development. The definitive treatment for CBTs is surgical resection. These tumors are prone to bleeding and often adhere firmly to the carotid artery, making intraoperative bleeding control challenging. The risk of lower cranial nerve paralysis is relatively high, and there is a risk of stroke because of manipulation of the carotid artery. Preoperative evaluation with angiography is essential, and a multi-disciplinary surgical team approach is necessary. In cases where the tumor is difficult to resect or has metastasized, radiation therapy or chemotherapy are employed. Clinical trials involving targeted molecular therapies and radiopharmaceuticals have recently been conducted, with some applied clinically. The development of various new treatments is anticipated, providing hope for therapeutic options in refractory cases.

A comparison of particulate and Onyx embolization in preoperative devascularization of carotid body tumors.

INTRODUCTION: Preoperative embolization of a carotid body tumor (CBT) is a useful adjunct prior to surgical excision because it decreases operative blood loss and improves surgical outcomes. Traditionally, this is performed by transarterial particulate embolization (TAPE). More recently, direct percutaneous embolization (DPE) with Onyx is recognized as a promising technique for preoperative embolization. We compared these two techniques in patients treated for CBTs at our institution. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed cases of preoperative devascularization of CBT from 1 January 1995 through 1 September 2012. Patient cases were placed into two groups: TAPE and DPE. Operative blood loss, operative length, angiographic devascularization, embolization procedure complications, operative transfusion requirements, postoperative hospital stay, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and procedure-related mortalities were compared. RESULTS: A total of 17 patients underwent preoperative devascularization of their CBT with TAPE technique and ten patients using the DPE technique with Onyx. Average operative blood loss was significantly higher in the TAPE group (Mann-Whitney U test, p = 0.04). Operative time was also higher, although this difference was not significant. Two patients required intraoperative blood transfusions in the TAPE group while none required transfusions in the DPE group. There was no significant difference in ICU stay or length of hospitalization. One serious embolization procedure complication occurred in the TAPE group and none in the DPE group. CONCLUSION: Operative blood loss in the DPE group was significantly less than the TAPE group. Blood transfusion requirement, operative time, and complications were less in the DPE group, although they did not reach statistical significance.

Coil embolization and surgical removal of carotid body paraganglioma.

Carotid body paraganglioma has considerable malignant potential and locally aggressive behavior, so it should be treated as soon as it is discovered.We report the case of 60-year-old male patient with a carotid body paraganglioma (Shamblin group II) that was causing the carotid arteries to spread. Angiography showed 1 dominant feeding artery arising from the right external carotid artery. Selective angiography was performed 2 days before surgical removal of the tumor, and the feeding artery was successfully embolized with coils.Literature review reveals previous reports where preoperative embolization of the feeding arteries was done using ethanol, polymers, or other liquid agents. In our case, angiography (via femoral artery) was performed 2 days before surgical removal of the tumor, and the main feeding artery (a single branch arising from external carotid artery) was successfully embolized with coils rather than liquids.Performing coil embolization before operating reduced subsequent blood loss and made it easier to identify the feeding artery during surgery. Supraselective coiling, although as difficult as embolization with liquids, may reduce the incidence of postoperative stroke. At 1 year after surgery, the patient had no signs of tumor recurrence.

n-Butyl cyanoacrylate-induced multiple retinal arteriolar occlusions.

We report a case of multiple retinal arteriolar occlusions due to delayed embolisation of N-butylcyanoacrylate glue, initially injected in the external carotid artery for the management of Carotid body tumour. Ocular massage and anterior chamber paracentesis were unfruitful and patient suffered irreversible visual loss in the affected eye. Embolisation of N-butyl cyanoacrylate glue into the retinal vasculature after intratumoral injection should be kept in mind as a rare but possible complication by radiologists and ophthalmologists.

Impact of preoperative embolization on outcomes of carotid body tumor resections.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed neurovascular complications in the surgical management of carotid body tumors (CBTs), with emphasis on those treated with and without preoperative embolization. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical data of all consecutive patients with CBTs treated by surgical resection at our institution from 1985 to 2010. Outcomes were compared between Shamblin class II and III CBTs treated with preoperative embolization (EMB group) and with no preoperative embolization (NEMB group). RESULTS: A total of 131 patients (80 women, 51 men), who were aged 48 years (range, 16-84 years), had resection of 144 CBTs and 12 concurrent cervical paragangliomas. This included 18 patients who had bilateral resections and 29 with familial CBTs. Succinate dehydrogenase (SDHx) mutations were confirmed in 17 patients. Mean tumor volume was 20.5 cm(3) (range, 0.8-101.3 cm(3)), and there were two biochemically active CBTs (1%). There were 71 Shamblin II and 33 Shamblin III. The EMB group underwent 33 CBT resections, and the NEMB group underwent 71. There were more patients in the EMB group with bilateral (48% vs 22%; P = .01) and familial (34% vs 14%; P = .01) CBT; otherwise, patient demographics, Shamblin class, and tumor diameter and volumes were similar. No strokes or other major complications occurred after preoperative embolization with polyvinyl alcohol particles 1 day before surgery. The EMB group required less extensive procedures (simple excision in 97% vs 82%, P = .03; internal carotid artery clamping in 15% vs 37%, P = .04) and had less blood loss (mean estimated blood loss, 263 vs 599 mL; P = .002) than the NEMB group. However, there were no significant differences in operative time (250 vs 265 minutes; P = .49), temporary cranial nerve injury (52% vs 38%; P = .21), clinically apparent cranial nerve deficits after 1 year (12% vs 7%; P = .46), deaths (0% vs 0%; P > .99), stroke (0% vs 1%; P > .99), or postoperative length of stay (4.1 vs 4.2 days; P = .91). CONCLUSIONS: Large CBTs can be resected safely with or without preoperative embolization. Preoperative embolization may simplify the conduct of the operation and reduce blood loss but does not decrease rates of cranial nerve injury, although most are temporary.

A comparison between the treatments of functional and nonfunctional carotid body tumors.

BACKGROUND: It is well known that carotid body tumors (CBTs) are rare and almost nonfunctional, and that functional CBTs are even less frequently seen, with or without catecholamine-induced symptoms. Objective of this study is to make comparison between the treatment effects on functional and nonfunctional CBTs. METHODS: The medical records of 46 patients (16 men and 30 women) of our unit who underwent surgical intervention for CBTs were retrospectively reviewed from January 2005 to July 2010. Patients were divided into two groups by function: group A (n = 5, functional CBTs) and group B (n = 41, nonfunctional CBTs). Perioperative and postoperative details were compared accordingly. RESULTS: All the patients successfully underwent tumor resection. Although symptoms were nonspecific, intraoperative hypertension (5/5, 100%) and persistent postoperative hypotension (3/5, 60%) were found in group A. No statistical difference was found in perioperative details and complications between two groups. No recurrence occurred in two groups during the follow-up period for a mean of 35.3 months (with a range of 12-60 months). CONCLUSION: Surgical resection is safe and effective even if the CBT is functional. Besides routine preparation, preoperative measurement of serum catecholamine, treatment with α- and ß-adrenergic blockade and gentle manipulation during operation are necessary.

Perioperative approach in the surgical management of carotid body tumors.

BACKGROUND: Now, surgical resection still remains the gold standard for the treatment of carotid body tumors (CBTs). Although advances in surgical techniques and the introduction of sensitive imaging modalities have significantly reduced mortality, the incidence of perioperative neurovascular complications, especially cranial nerve deficit and intraoperative hemorrhage, remains considerable. To solve these problems, preoperative embolization has been suggested; the reported benefits of preoperative embolization performed <48 hours before surgery include a reduction in tumor size, decreased blood loss, and improved visualization, theoretically reducing neurologic morbidity by lessening the risk of stroke and damage to cranial nerves. The purpose of this study was to review our experience in the surgical management of CBTs with preoperative embolization and evaluate the outcomes and complications according to the Shamblin classification. METHODS: Thirty-two patients who had been diagnosed with and surgically treated for CBTs were enrolled from January 2005 till July 2010. All perioperative scans were evaluated by computed tomography angiography. We reviewed patient demographics, radiographic findings, and surgical outcomes collected from medical records. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients underwent surgical excision without mortality. Angiography with selective preoperative tumor embolization was performed on 21 patients. The median blood loss, operation time, and hospital stay for these patients were significantly reduced compared with those without embolization. There were no recurrences or delayed complications at the median follow-up of 20 months. CONCLUSION: Embolization as an adjunctive tool was beneficial for CBT surgery outcomes. Embolization should only be undertaken in those vessels that can be subselectively catheterized and determined not to allow free reflux of contrast medium into the internal carotid artery. Tumor embolization was performed on patients with Cook detachable coils, which are highly effective for supply artery closure if properly selected, and complications can be minimized by proper selection and positioning of the coil. Operation within 48 hours after embolization is recommended to minimize revascularization edema or a local inflammatory response.