Carotid blowout syndrome in patients treated by larynx cancer / Síndrome da ruptura da artéria carótida em pacientes tratados para câncer de laringe

Abstract Introduction: Carotid blowout syndrome is an uncommon complication for patient treated by head and neck tumors, and related to a high mortality rate. Objective: The aim of this study was to study the risk of carotid blowout in a large cohort of patients treated only by larynx cancer. Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients older than 18 years, treated by larynx cancer who developed a carotid blowout syndrome in a tertiary academic centre. Results: 197 patients met the inclusion criteria, 192 (98.4%) were male and 5 (1.6%) were female. 6 (3%) patients developed a carotid blowout syndrome, 4 patients had a carotid blowout syndrome located in the internal carotid artery and 2 in the common carotid artery. According to the type of rupture, 3 patients suffer a type I, 2 patients a type III and 1 patient a type II. Five of those patients had previously undergone radiotherapy and all patients underwent total laryngectomy. We found a statistical correlation between open surgical procedures (p = 0.004) and radiotherapy (p = 0.023) and the development of a carotid blowout syndrome. Conclusion: Carotid blowout syndrome is an uncommon complication in patients treated by larynx tumours. According to our results, patient underwent radiotherapy and patients treated with open surgical procedures with pharyngeal opening have a major risk to develop this kind of complication.

Resumo Introdução: A síndrome da ruptura da carótida é uma complicação incomum no paciente em tratamento para tumores de cabeça e pescoço, relacionada com uma alta taxa de mortalidade. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi estudar o risco de ruptura da carótida em uma grande coorte de pacientes tratados isoladamente por um câncer de laringe. Método: Análise retrospectiva de pacientes com mais de 18 anos, tratados por câncer de laringe em um centro de assistência terciária, que desenvolveram a síndrome da ruptura da carótida. Resultados: Ao todo, 197 pacientes atenderam aos critérios de inclusão, 192 (98,4%) eram do sexo masculino e 5 (1,6%) eram do sexo feminino. 6 (3%) desenvolveram síndrome da ruptura da carótida, 4 tiveram síndrome da ruptura da carótida localizada na artéria carótida interna e 2 na artéria carótida comum. De acordo com o tipo de ruptura, 3 pacientes apresentaram síndrome da ruptura da carótida tipo I, 2 pacientes, síndrome da ruptura da carótida Tipo III e um tipo II. Cinco desses pacientes haviam sido previamente tratados com radioterapia e todos os pacientes foram submetidos a laringectomia total. Encontrou-se uma correlação estatística entre procedimentos cirúrgicos abertos (p = 0,004) e radioterapia (p = 0,023) e o desenvolvimento de síndrome da ruptura da carótida. Conclusão: A síndrome de ruptura da carótida é uma complicação rara em pacientes tratados para tumores de laringe. De acordo com nossos resultados, pacientes submetidos a radioterapia e pacientes tratados com procedimentos cirúrgicos abertos com abertura da faringe apresentam um risco maior de desenvolver essa complicação.

Persistent Tracheostomy after Organ Preservation Protocol in Patients Treated for Larynx and Hypopharynx Cancer

Abstract Introduction Squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx is currently the second most common malignancy of the airway after lung cancer, and hypopharyngeal cancer accounts for fewer than 5% of head and neck cancers. The nonsurgical options for patients with this disease are related to significant long-term toxicities and the need for persistent tracheostomy, which adversely affects the quality of life of these patients. Objective To evaluate the need for tracheostomy, and the influence of this in the overall and specific survival rates of patients diagnosed with all stages of laryngeal carcinoma treated by chemoradiotherapy. Methods A retrospective study of patients diagnosed with laryngeal carcinoma was performed according to the criteria of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 7th edition, in a tertiary hospital. Results A total of 21 patients were evaluated, 8 patients required a tracheotomy (31%) during the treatment protocol, 7 (35%) men and 1 (100%) women. According to subsite 4/4 patient with glottis cancer (p ≤ 0.001), 2/10 patients with supra glottis cancer and 2/7 patients with hypopharyngeal cancer. During follow up, just in 1 patient was possible to close the tracheostomy. Conclusion Persistent tracheostomy dependence after primary chemoradiation increases significantly the morbidity, and decreases the quality of life of those patients. Patients with glottis cancer are prone to need a tracheostomy, but no statistical difference regarding the oncological stage and the need for a tracheostomy were detected. A more thorough selection of the patients is needed to improve the quality of life and reduce permanent tracheostomy dependence.