Assessing the safety and efficacy of EVOH Pre-Embolization in head and neck paraganglioma tumors: A comprehensive analysis of current literature.

BACKGROUND: Head and Neck Paragangliomas are characterized by having a rich blood supply. Presurgical embolization with Onyx as a neoadjuvant treatment is not a consensus regarding its efficacy and safety. Our study aimed to answer this matter through a single-arm meta-analysis. METHODS: We systematically reviewed 4 databases. Sixteen studies were described and suitable papers were selected for meta-analysis of estimated intraoperative blood loss (EBL), percentage of tumor devascularization, and complications associated with embolization. RESULTS: The study identified 198 patients with 203 tumors, aged between 8 and 70 years. Commonly reported symptoms included neck mass perception and cranial nerve impairment. Carotid Body Tumors were most prevalent (127, 62.5 %), followed by jugular (48, 23.6 %), or vagal (29, 14.2 %) tumors. Eight studies reported estimated intraoperative blood loss (EBL) averaging 261.89 ml (95 %CI: 128.96 to 394.81 ml). In an analysis of 9 studies, 99 % (95 %CI: 96 to 100 %) achieved 70 % or more devascularization, and 79 % (95 %CI: 58 to 100 %) achieved 90 % or more devascularization. Complications from endovascular procedures were observed in 3 % (95 %CI: 0 to 8 %) of 96 patients across 10 studies, including 4 facial nerve deficits. Eighteen postoperative neurological deficits were reported across 15 articles. CONCLUSION: Despite acknowledged limitations, with refined indications, EVOH, especially Onyx embolization may significantly bolster patient safety, decreasing EBL and easing surgical resection. Further research with larger studies will refine criteria, optimize techniques, and improve patient care and treatment outcomes in the management of head and neck paragangliomas.

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.

Surgical Management of Carotid Body Tumors: Experience of Two Centers.

BACKGROUND: Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are rare but require surgical resection given their potential for growth and malignancy. For some surgical teams, tumor hypervascularity justifies preoperative embolization to facilitate resection and limit complications. The objective of our study was to evaluate 2 different practices of surgical resection with or without preoperative embolization in a 2-center cohort. METHODS: A consecutive series of patients who underwent CBT surgery, from January 2011 to June 2019, were divided into 2 groups, as to whether they were (embolized CBT [ECBT]) or not (nonembolized CBT [NECBT]) preoperatively embolized. Both groups were compared specifically according to the duration of operation, postoperative complications, and length of stay. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients with a mean age of 48.5 ± 14.3 years were included. In the series, 23 CBTs were resected: 13 were embolized preoperatively; the mean time between embolization and surgery was 2.62 ± 1.50 days. Both groups were comparable based on characteristics of population and tumor, with a mean size of 33.2 ± 11.9 mm. We noted a significant increase in operation duration in the ECBT group: 151 min (±40.9) vs. 87.0 min (±21); P < 0.01. There was no difference between the 2 groups regarding cranial nerve (50% vs. 46%; P = 1), sympathetic nervous system (20% vs. 23%; P = 1), or vascular nerve (20% vs. 23%; P = 0.18) complications. No cerebrovascular accident was identified. The length of stay was 3.60 days (±1.78) vs. 3.73 days (±1.19; P = 0.44). CONCLUSIONS: This study reflects the experience of 2 centers in the management of CBT which is a rare pathology with no standardized treatment. Our series showed no significant difference between the ECBT and NECBT groups regarding postoperative complications and length of hospital stay. The reduction in operating time in the NECBT group remains to be demonstrated.

Complete Response to 177 Lu-DOTATATE PRRT in a 9-Year-Old Child With Metastatic Carotid Body Paraganglioma.

ABSTRACT: We present a case involving a 9-year-old boy diagnosed with metastatic carotid body paraganglioma. The metastases were detected in cervical lymph nodes and lungs using 68 Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT imaging. The patient received peptide receptor radionuclide therapy with 177 Lu-DOTATATE. Following 3 treatment cycles, a significant improvement was observed in the metastatic lesions. After 4 cycles, the patient achieved a complete response, with a cumulative administered activity of 16.65 GBq during the therapy. This case underscores the effectiveness of using 177 Lu-DOTATATE in managing metastatic carotid body paraganglioma, offering promising results in terms of tumor regression and overall therapeutic response.

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).

Carotid body paraganglioma: a case report.

A highly vascular glomus tumor that develops from the paraganglion cells of the carotid body is called a carotid body tumor (CBT), also known as a chemodectoma or carotid body paraganglioma (CBP). It is situated near the carotid bifurcation, where the external and internal carotid arteries splay out characteristically. We present a case of a 30-year-old woman who had a slightly tender, slightly pulsatile, and slightly ballotable swelling over the lateral aspect of the neck on the right side. The surgical resection of the tumor was done based on the diagnosis made on clinical-radiological investigations as a carotid body tumor further confirmed by a histopathological study. We also provide a summary of the research on carotid body tumors clinical and imaging manifestations, assessment, and therapy.

Retrospective Analysis of Carotid Body Tumor Surgical Management: Roles of Preoperative Image Investigation and Preoperative Embolization.

BACKGROUND: Carotid body tumors (CBT) surgery is a challenging procedure, and the role of embolization (EMB) in CBT surgery has remained unclear. This study is performed to analyze the management of CBTs, particularly the use of preoperative EMB and image features in minimizing surgical complications. 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 ≥ 5 cm. Among 146 EMB cases, 2 cases of intracranial arterial EMB 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 Complications During and After Carotid Body Tumor Resection with Tumor Size and Distance to the Base of Skull.

BACKGROUND: Depending on the size and location of the tumor, carotid body tumor (CBT) resection can come with various complications, mostly intraoperative bleeding, and cranial nerve injuries. In the present study, we aim to evaluate 2 fairly new variables, tumor volume, and distance to the base of the skull (DTBOS), with operative complications of CBT resection. METHODS: Patients who underwent CBT surgery in Namazi hospital from 2015 to 2019 were studied using standard databases. Tumor characteristics and DTBOS were measured via computed tomography or Magnetic resonance imaging. Outcomes, including intraoperative bleeding and cranial nerve injuries, along with perioperative data were collected. RESULTS: A total of 42 cases of CBT were evaluated with an average age of 53.21 ± 12.8 and mostly female (85.7%). Based on Shamblin scoring, 2 (4.8%) were classified as group I, 25 (59.5%) as group II, and 15 (35.7%) as group III. The amount of bleeding significantly increased with an increase in the Shamblin scores (P = 0.031; median: I: 45 cc; II: 250 cc, III: 400 cc). Also, there was a significant positive correlation between the size of the tumor and the estimated amount of bleeding (correlation coefficient = 0.660; P < 0.001), and also a significant reverse correlation with between bleeding and DTBOS (correlation coefficient = -0.345; P = 0.025). During the follow-up of the patients, 6 (14.3%) had abnormalities in their neurological evaluation. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed the size of tumor cutoff level 32.7 cm3 (3.2 cm radius) to be most predictive of postoperative neurological complication with an area under the curve = 0.83, sensitivity = 83.3%, specificity = 80.6%, a negative predictive value = 96.7%, and positive predictive value of 41.7%, and an accuracy of 81.0%. Furthermore, based on the predictive power of the models in our study, we demonstrated that a combination model including the tumor size, DTBOS, along with the Shamblin score had the most predictive power for neurological complications. CONCLUSIONS: By evaluating CBT size and DTBOS, paired with the use of the Shamblin classification, a better, more insightful understanding of possible risks and complications of CBT resection can be obtained, leading to deserved levels of patient care.

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.

Preoperative Embolization Of Carotid Body Tumours: Yes Or No?

INTRODUCTION: Carotid body tumours (CBT) are rare paragangliomas for which surgical resection is still the recommended treatment. Frequently they are a benign disorder, discovered as asymptomatic neck masses located at the carotid bifurcation. Preoperative embolization has been used to decrease tumor volume, intraoperative blood loss and nerve injuries.There is however still much controversy and some studies argue that this strategy could increase risks without benefit. This study aimed to investigate the impact of embolization on CBT resection outcomes.   Methods: We analyzed all electronic clinical records on consecutive patients treated in the last 10 years (January 2008 - January 2018) in our vascular surgery department. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to treatment: preoperative embolization and subsequent resection (PE) and resection alone (RA). The following variables were reviewed and compared between groups: age, gender, tumor size, surgery duration, days of hospitalization, complications and transfusion needs.   Results: Sixteen tumours were treated. Of these, 6 underwent PE and 10 underwent RA. Median follow-up was 54 months (IQR 78). All tumours were benign and no disease recurrence was detected. When compared, PE and RA groups had no differences in Shamblin classification (p=0.068), although tumor's median size was significantly bigger in CBT-PE (49mm v. 35,5mm, p=0,016).The days of hospitalization were significantly higher in the PE group (median 7 vs 3 p=0.012).  Concerning surgery time (201min v. 141min, p=0.093), cranial nerve injury (66.7% v. 20%, p=0.092) and need for intraoperative transfusion  (16,7% v. 10%, p=0.625), no differences were found.   Conclusions: The role of preoperative embolization in CBT has been questioned. In this study we found no benefits supporting embolization prior to surgery.

High Altitude Carotid Body Tumors Growth During active Surveillance.

BACKGROUND: The gold standard for patients with carotid body tumors (CBT) is surgical resection; nevertheless, some patients are unfit for surgery or, for other reasons, could not be operated on. Active surveillance has been known to be a reasonable strategy for these cases. This study aimed to evaluate tumor growth in unoperated patients with CBTs. METHODS: A retrospective review of all unoperated patients with CBT from a single academic hospital diagnosed between 2014 and 2021 was performed. Results of nonparametric testing were presented using the median and ranges for Mann-Whitney-U or Kruskal-Wallis. Significance was defined as a 2-tailed P < .05. RESULTS: The cohort included a total of 31 patients, with a median age of 60 years (range: 37-80 years), of which 27 (87.1%) were females. The patients live at a median altitude of 2800 meters (range: 2756-2980 meters) above sea level. Twenty (64.5%) patients had Shamblin I tumors, eight (25.8%) patients had Shamblin II tumors, and three (9.7%) patients had Shamblin III tumors. Median CBT volume at diagnosis was 14.1 cm3 (range: .9 - 213.3 cm3). Median volume at diagnosis of symptomatic tumors was substantially larger than asymptomatic tumors, 49.2 cm3 vs 7.9 cm3, respectively (P = .03). Median growth of the tumors during a median 15-month follow-up (range: 3-43 months) was 3.3 cm3 (range: 0-199.9 cm3). Overall, 77% (n = 24) of the CBTs grew at least 1 cm3. CONCLUSION: Most patients in the present study had tumor growth by at least 1 cm3, with a median tumor growth of 3.3 cm.3 In the present study tumor growth was shown to be greater than other low altitude CBT active surveillance studies; therefore, surgical resection should be recommended in patients with CBT living at high altitudes.

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.

Outcomes of Carotid Body Tumor Management with Active Surveillance.

OBJECTIVES: To assess outcomes of carotid body tumors (CBTs) managed with active surveillance. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of CBTs managed with active surveillance from 2001 to 2019. RESULTS: A total of 115 cases were identified during chart review. Sixty-five of these patients were managed with active surveillance, and 11 patients had bilateral tumors for a total of 76 tumors. Follow-up records with symptomatic outcomes were available for 51 patients, and 47 tumors had follow-up imaging. Thirty-one (66%) actively surveilled CBTs remained stable or decreased in size while 16 (34%) increased in size. Patients undergoing active surveillance developed symptoms in 12 cases, 6 of these patients underwent surgical intervention. Nine CBTs managed with active surveillance (18%) were ultimately resected. The majority of patients who did not undergo surgical intervention never developed symptoms (36/42, 86%). CONCLUSIONS: Active surveillance may be a reasonable approach for a subset of CBTs.

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.

Effect of distance to the base of skull and tumor size characteristics on cranial nerve injuries in carotid body tumor resections.

OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we aimed to confirm the findings reported by Kim et al. They stated that the tumor's distance to the base of the skull was predictive of injury to the cranial nerves and their branches during carotid body tumor resection in an Austrian cohort. METHODS: In the present retrospective observational trial, we included all consecutive patients who had been discharged from our tertiary care teaching hospital with the diagnosis of a carotid body tumor (CBT) between January 2004 and December 2019. Tumor-specific parameters were measured from the preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging studies. Patient-specific data were obtained from the patients' medical records. The effect of these parameters on the occurrence of cranial nerve injuries was calculated using univariate logistic regression analysis. Parameters significant on univariate analysis were included in a multivariate model. RESULTS: A total of 48 CBTs had been resected in 43 patients (29 women [67.4%] and 14 men [32.6%]), with a mean age of 55.6 years (95% confidence interval, 51.8-58.5). The mean distance to the base of the skull was 43.2 mm (95% confidence interval, 39.9-46.5). A total of 18 injuries to the cranial nerves and their branches in 10 CBTs were detected. The tumor-specific parameters that were significant on univariate analysis were the distance to the base of the skull (P = .009), craniocaudal tumor diameter (P = .027), and tumor volume (P = .036). Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the distance to the base of the skull was the only parameter that remained statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the distance to the base of the skull is a highly predictive parameter for injuries to the cranial nerves and their branches during CBT resection and should be included in the surgical risk assessment and patient information.