Traumatic cavernous sinus syndrome - A peculiar presentation of multiple cranial nerve neuropathies following a minor head injury: Case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: In patients with traumatic head injuries, the percentage of cranial nerve injuries (CNI) range from4.3 to 17.6% in which majority are isolated CNI[1-5].In present literature, moderate to severe types of head injuries are often studied which may result in a lack of representation and description of CNI associated with minor head injuries (MHI). Alongside this peculiar case of a traumatic cavernous sinus syndrome (CSS) that is non-thrombotic and non-fistulous in nature, this paper aims to analyse traumatic CNI in non-severe head injuries and the surrounding literature. CASE REPORT: A 65-year-old man who had sustained a minor head injury was found to have CNI of III, IV and VI.Brain imaging showed scattered traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage and a non-displaced right zygomatic arch fracture. Despite the short course of high dose dexamethasone, he showed only partial recovery of his CNI after one year. CONCLUSION: We present a case of traumatic CSS likely secondary to tractional injury from a MHI. Injury to the extraocular nerves wasfound to be one of the more commonly observed combination of CNI from the literature review conducted. In patients with MHI, multiple CNI is less common. Hence, consideration should be given to work upfor secondary causes such as tumours. There is presently no known clear identifiable pattern of CNI associated with MHI. CT brain findings of skull base fractures and early onset of cranial nerve palsies are generally associated with worse outcomes. More remains to be studied about tractional CNI in non-severe head injuries.

Early postoperative outcome after carotid artery endarterectomy with bifurcation advancement.

Background: The aim of this study is to review the single center experience in surgical treatment of carotid artery disease (CAD) using bifurcation advancement carotid endarterectomy (BA-CEA) and compare the in-hospital outcome with one of the largest nationwide carotid endarterectomy (CEA) databases worldwide, the German statutory quality assurance database (GD). Patients and methods: Data of BA-CEA procedures in the period of 2006-2015 were analyzed retrospectively. The primary endpoint was defined as combined stroke and death rate. Secondarily, isolated stroke, TIA, patient death, myocardial infarction, major neck hematoma and cranial nerve injuries were analyzed. Symptomatic and asymptomatic CAD patients were divided into two subgroups. The results were compared to extracted published data from the German database (GD). Results: Of 239 included BA-CEA procedures 188 (78.7%) procedures were carried out in patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis. The overall perioperative combined stroke and death rate after BA-CEA was 2.5%. Five (2.1%) patients suffered from a stroke (one minor and four major strokes), of which two hemorrhagic strokes ended fatally. Overall, four (1.7%) patients died perioperatively. The combined stroke and death rate was higher in the symptomatic subgroup (3.2%; 0% in the asymptomatic group). No significant differences were found between the results of BA-CEA and the German database (n=142'074) for combined stroke and death rates and isolated stroke. Significant differences were found among the overall mortality rate (BA-CEA: 1.7% vs. GD: 0.6, p=0.04). The risk of postoperative cranial nerve injuries was also significantly higher after BA-CEA overall (BA-CEA: 5.0% vs. GD: 1.2%, p=<0.0001), in symptomatic CAD patients (BA-CEA: 4.8% vs. GD: 1.2%, p=<0.0001) and in asymptomatic CAD patients (BA-CEA: 5.9% vs. GD: 1.3%, p=0.01). Conclusions: CEA with bifurcation advancement provides comparable perioperative results, focusing on combined stroke and mortality, but seems to have some technical drawbacks, which may lead to more frequent local neurological complications.

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.

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.

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.

[Risks to predict blood loss and cranial nerve injury in carotid body paraganglioma resection].

Objective: To investigate clinical and imaging parameters to predict blood loss and cranial nerve injury (CNI) following carotid body paraganglioma (CBP) resection. Methods: A retrospective examination of clinical and imaging data was conducted on 63 patients who underwent CBP resection at Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2016 to December 2022, including 23 males and 40 females, aged 26-87 years old. Three imaging parameters including tumor volume, the angle of contact with the internal carotid artery (ICA), and the distance to the base of skull (DTBOS) were gauged using the IMEDPACS software on CTA and MR imaging. The predictive efficacies of age, gender, Shamblin classification, and three imaging parameters for blood loss and CNI following surgery were analysed. Logistic composite parameter models were constructed and their predictive validity was assessed. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis underscored that only tumor volume (OR=1.381,95%CI:1.167-1.507,P=0.001) showed significant statistical correlations with blood loss following surgery. Area under curve (AUC) values of 0.910 for receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed a sensitivity of 1.000 and a specificity of 0.694. Tumor volume (OR=1.126,95%CI:1.030-1.231, P=0.002) and DTBOS (OR=0.225,95%CI:0.081-0.630,P=0.005) were significantly associated with postoperative CNI. The analysis of logistic composite model showed AUC values for tumor volume, DTBOS and combination of the two parameters were 0.858, 0.788, and 0.872, respectively. The model for combination of tumor volume and DTBOS also proved superior in predicting postoperative CNI (Z=3.106, P<0.001), with a sensitivity of 0.833 and a specificity of 0.769. Conclusions: Tumor volume and DTBOS emerged as effective predictors for blood loss and/or CNI in patients with CBP resection. Moreover, the logistic composite parameter model outclassed single-parameter models in terms of their predictive clinical value.

Carotid body tumor encounters over a two-decade period in an academic hospital.

Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are rare and mostly benign. Research outcomes usually arise from single-center data. We conducted this study to present the characteristics and outcomes of patients who underwent surgical resection of CBT at our hospital over the past 20 years. In this retrospective review, the records of CBTs in our hospital were reviewed between 1998 and 2021. All patients who underwent CBT resection were included. The follow-up period was 12 months. A total of 44 CBTs were treated in our hospital. The male-to-female ratio was 1:2.4. Only 4.5% of patients had Shamblin I tumors. Patients with Shamblin II and III tumors were 56.8% and 38.6%, respectively. Duplex scan was used to diagnose CBT in all of the patients. The majority of our patients (97.7%) did not receive any preoperative embolization despite an average tumor size of 4.9 cm. Cranial nerve injuries were observed in 29.5% of cases. Meanwhile, stroke was reported in only two cases (4.5%). No deaths were encountered. Surgery is the definitive treatment for CBT. Size and local extension appear to be the main reasons for adverse events rather than surgical techniques. Our results are consistent with those of previously published studies. Good outcomes are expected in high-volume centers with appropriate preoperative imaging.

Unilateral lingual nerve and hypoglossal nerve injury caused by a novel laryngeal mask airway: a case report

Abstract Cranial nerve injury by a laryngeal mask airway is rare but a serious complication. The nerve injuries must be prevented during the intubation using a laryngeal mask airway. We report a female patient who complained of tongue numbness, slurred speech, and slight difficulty in swallowing solid food after a hand surgery. She was then diagnosed with unilateral lingual nerve and hypoglossal nerve injuries. Extreme head rotation, relatively small oral cavity, and wide rigid composition at the lower part of the novel laryngeal mask probably resulted in cranial nerve injury.

Long-term functional consequences of cranial nerve injuries after carotid endarterectomy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to investigate long-term patient consequences of cranial nerve injury (CNI) caused by carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in patients with identified CNI at the 30-day follow-up. METHODS: Consecutive patients operated for symptomatic carotid artery stenosis 2015-2019 with a documented CNI at the 30-day follow-up after CEA were recruited to this cross-sectional survey. Telephone interviews were conducted >1 year after CEA utilizing survey instruments developed to uncover CNI symptoms. Patients graded their symptoms on a 4-point scale: 1) no symptoms; 2) mild symptoms; 3) moderate symptoms; and 4) severe symptoms. RESULTS: Altogether, 477 patients underwent CEA, of which 82 were diagnosed with CNI; 70/82 patients remained alive at the time for the survey and 68 patients completed the interview. The mean follow-up time was 3.7 years. Severe persistent CNI symptoms were reported in 2/68 (2.9%), moderate symptoms in 1/68 (1.5%) and mild symptoms in 14/68 (21%) whereas 51/68 patients (75%) reported no residual symptoms. When extrapolating these findings to all patients, approximately 4.4% reported persistent symptoms at the long-term follow-up and only 0.8% reported moderate or severe symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term consequences of CNI following CEA are benign in most patients, with a high rate of symptom resolution and a very low rate of persistent clinically significant symptoms.

Outcomes and role of shunting during carotid endarterectomy for symptomatic patients.

OBJECTIVE: Shunt placement during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has often been advocated to protect the ischemic penumbra in patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis. In the present study, we assessed the effect of shunt placement during CEA on postoperative stroke risk in symptomatic patients. METHODS: We queried the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2016-2019) for CEA cases with complete CEA procedure-targeted data available. Symptomatic patients were identified as those with a preoperative diagnosis of stroke on presentation (DS), transient ischemic attack, amaurosis fugax, or temporary monocular blindness. The DS patients were further analyzed according to the severity of their stroke using the modified Rankin scale scores. To better assess the effect of shunt placement on the stroke rate, we compared cases of CEA with the patch angioplasty technique stratified by the use of an intraoperative shunt. Patients who had undergone carotid eversion or primary closure were excluded. The baseline demographics and perioperative outcomes were compared using the χ2 and Mann-Whitney U tests. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify the independent risk factors for postoperative stroke and cranial nerve injury. RESULTS: We identified 4652 cases of CEA with patch angioplasty in symptomatic patients, including 1889 with (40.6%) and 2763 without (59.4%) shunt placement. The distribution of age, race, and sex was similar for both procedures. Compared with patients without a shunt, those with a shunt had significantly higher rates of emergency surgery (9.1% vs 7.0%; P = .010), nonelective surgery (40.3% vs 37.2%; P = .035), general anesthesia (97.0% vs 86.3%; P < .001), and bleeding disorders (27.2% vs 22.7%; P < .001). The 30-day incidence of postoperative stroke was similar between the patients with (3.2%) and without (2.6%) shunt placement (P = .219). Additionally, a subgroup analysis failed to show any benefit from shunt placement on the incidence of postoperative stroke, regardless of the preoperative symptoms or neurologic disability. In contrast, shunt placement was associated with an increased rate of cranial nerve injury (4.1% vs 2.4%; P = .001). Multivariate analysis revealed that nonelective surgery (odds ratio [OR], 1.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36-2.91; P < .001) and DS (vs transient ischemic attack, amaurosis fugax, or temporary monocular blindness; OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.12-2.41; P = .012) were predictive of 30-day postoperative stroke. After adjusting for confounders, shunt placement had no effect on stroke risk at 30 days but remained an independent risk factor for cranial nerve injury (adjusted OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.32-2.64; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: For symptomatic patients undergoing CEA with patch angioplasty, shunt placement was associated with an increased risk of cranial nerve injury without a reduction in postoperative stroke risk.

The value of ultrasound for the preoperative assessment of carotid body tumors.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the value of ultrasound (US) examination for the preoperative assessment of carotid body tumors (CBTs) and to predict surgical outcomes. METHODS: A total of 15 CBT lesions in 15 patients were included in this study. CBT measurements determined using US, and included maximal diameter, volume, tumor distance to base of skull (DTBOS), and carotid wall infiltration. A correlation analysis was conducted to determine the correlation between US measurements and surgical outcomes, including estimated blood loss (EBL), cranial nerve injury, surgical time, and hospital length of stay (HLOS). RESULTS: EBL showed a high level of correlation with the maximal dimeter (r = 0.596, p < .05) and the volume of the tumor (r = 0.864, p < .05). Surgical time was positively correlated with tumor volume (r = 0.592, p < .05) and negatively correlated with DTBOS (r = -0.554, p < .05). There was no significant correlation (p > .05) shown between cranial nerve injury and US variables. HLOS showed the high degree of correlation with the maximal dimeter (r = 0.658, p < .05), and was also negatively correlated with DTBOS (r = -0.620, p < .00). CONCLUSIONS: US examination allows for the visualization of features of CBTs, which is a useful and safe tool to be used to predict surgical outcomes. Further research is necessary to validate this exploration method for the preoperative assessment of CBTs.

A Prospective Survey of the Incidence of Cranial and Cervical Nerve Injuries After Carotid Surgery.

BACKGROUND: To prospectively evaluate the involvement of the cranial nerves and cervical plexus branches during carotid surgery and to look for risk factors. METHODS: All patients (n = 50) undergoing carotid endarterectomy between June 1st and October 31st, 2016 in our center were evaluated prospectively. A complete neurological examination was done before the intervention then daily until hospital discharge, and then at 2 months, 6 months and 1 year. A nasal endoscopy was systematically performed postoperatively before discharge by an ear, nose, and throat specialist. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients (52%) had at least one damaged nerve immediately after surgery. There were 15 cases involving the VII nerve (30%), 12 the C2-C3 branches (24%), 7 the XII nerve (14%), and 2 the X nerve (4%). At 2 months, 6 months, and 1 year, 22%, 16%, and 8% of lesions remained, respectively. We found no independent factor for nerve damage at 6 months or 1 year. In the case of dysphonia and/or dysphagia without recurrent nerve paralysis, 6 hematomas and 7 laryngeal edemas were identified under nasal endoscopy and all healed without sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective study showed cranial and cervical nerve injury to be much more frequent than expected in the short-term, when assessed by independent ear, nose, and throat and nasal endoscopy exam. Though mainly transient, these lesions can cause post-operative functional discomfort and must be disclosed preoperatively to the patient, in view of the judicialization of health care.

Systematic Review of the Influence of Anatomy and Aneurysm Type on Treatment Choice and Outcomes in Extracranial Carotid Artery Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Extracranial carotid artery aneurysms (ECAA) are rare. Open surgery has traditionally been the treatment of choice, and endovascular management has recently been increasingly described. However, operative guidelines have not been defined. METHODS: A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was performed to identify articles related to the symptoms, treatments, and outcomes of ECAAs. Included studies were further evaluated to identify distribution of treatment strategy based on anatomical location by Attigah classification (Type I-V) and aneurysmal type (true versus pseudoaneurysm). RESULTS: Twenty-eight retrospective reviews were included. A total of 906 patients (63% male) with 959 ECAAS were identified. The most common presenting symptoms included neck mass (45%) and neurological deficits (26%), while 218 (23%) were asymptomatic. True aneurysms accounted for 52% and pseudoaneurysms for 45% of cases. Of the 959 ECAAs, 750 were treated with open surgery, 85 with an endovascular procedure, and 124 conservatively. Perioperative complications of open surgery included cranial nerve injuries (CNI) in 9% (68), strokes in 4% (27), and death in 2% (18) of cases. There were no CNI, perioperative stroke, or perioperative mortality associated with 85 endovascular procedures; however, there was 1 case of restenosis (1%). Of the 124 patients treated conservatively, 3% (4) died as a result of the aneurysm. Twenty-two of 28 studies (688 ECAAs) reported anatomical location according to Attigah classification. The distribution of ECAAs were Type I (296/688; 43%), Type II (19/688; 3%), Type III (195/688; 28%), Type IV (76/688: 11%), and Type V (102/688; 15%). Eleven of 28 studies (241 ECAAs) reported treatment choice according to Attigah classification and revealed that the majority of Type I (82%), Type II (81%), Type III (91%), and Type IV (100%) ECAAs were treated via open surgery, while Type V ECAAs were evenly treated by open surgery and endovascular surgery. Twenty-three of 28 studies (780 ECAAs) reported treatment choice stratified by aneurysmal type. Of 417 true ECAAs, 88% were treated open surgically, 4% were treated endovascularly, and 8% were treated conservatively. Of 357 pseudoaneurysms, 67% were treated open surgically, 14% were treated endovascularly, and 19% were treated conservatively. CONCLUSIONS: Most reported patients with ECAAs are symptomatic. Type I and III account for more than two-thirds of ECAAs, while true aneurysms account for roughly half. The vast majority of ECAAs have been treated surgically with results comparable to reoperative carotid endarterectomy. In selected patients, endovascular treatment has been very successful with no reported morbidity or mortality.

Cranial nerve injury during transcarotid transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: No data exist about cranial nerve injury (CNI) as a potential complication of transcarotid (TC) transcatheter valve replacement (TAVR). METHODS: This monocentric study included 318 consecutive patients undergoing TC-TAVR from May 2015 to August 2021. RESULTS: CNI occurred in 7 (2.2%) TAVR-TC patients. Five out of the 7 patients (71.4%) had an injury of the laryngeal branch of the vagus nerve, and 2 patients (28.6%) had an injury of the facial nerve. The majority of patients were male (85.7%), with high body mass index (35.6 (IQR: 30.1-37.3) kg/m2). The induced disabilities were clinically important especially for patients with dysphonia. CONCLUSIONS: CNI is a potential complication of TC-TAVR likely avoidable by a meticulous surgical technique. Structural heart teams must be aware of this serious setback.

Cranial nerve injuries in patients with moderate to severe head trauma - Analysis of 91,196 patients from the TraumaRegister DGU® between 2008 and 2017.

OBJECTIVE: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) constitutes a major cause of trauma-related disability and mortality. The epidemiology and implications of associated cranial nerve injuries　(CNI)　in moderate to severe TBI are largely unknown. We aimed to determine the incidence of CNI in a large European cohort of TBI patients as well as clinical differences between TBI cases with and without concomitant CNI (CNI vs. control group) by means of a multinational trauma registry. METHODS: The TraumaRegister DGU® was evaluated for trauma patients with head injuries ≥ 2 Abbreviated Injury Scale, who had to be treated on intensive care units after emergency admission to European hospitals between 2008 and 2017. CNI and control cases were compared with respect to demographic, clinical, and outcome variables. RESULTS: 1.0% (946 of 91,196) of TBI patients presented with additional CNI. On average, CNI patients were younger than control cases (44.3 ± 20.6 vs. 51.8 ± 23.0 years) but did not differ regarding sex distribution (CNI 69.4% males vs. control 69.1%). Traffic accidents were encountered more frequently in CNI cases (52.3% vs. 46.7%; p < 0.001; chi-squared test) and falls more commonly in the control group (45.2% vs. 37.1%; p < 0.001). CNI patients suffered more frequently from concomitant face injuries (28.2% vs. 17.5%; p < 0.001) and skull base fractures (51.0% vs. 23.5%; p < 0.001). Despite similar mean Injury Severity Score (CNI 21.8 ± 11.3; control 21.1 ± 11.7) and Glasgow Coma Scale score (CNI 10.9 ± 4.2, control 11.1 ± 4.4), there was a considerably higher proportion of anisocoria in CNI patients (20.1% vs. 11.2%; p < 0.001). Following primary treatment, 50.8% of CNI and 35.5% of control cases showed moderate to severe disability (Glasgow Outcome Scale score 3-4; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: CNI rarely occur in the context of TBI. When present, they indicate a higher likelihood of functional impairment following primary care and complicating skull base fractures should be suspected.

Unilateral lingual nerve and hypoglossal nerve injury caused by a novel laryngeal mask airway: a case report.

Cranial nerve injury by a laryngeal mask airway is rare but a serious complication. The nerve injuries must be prevented during the intubation using a laryngeal mask airway. We report a female patient who complained of tongue numbness, slurred speech, and slight difficulty in swallowing solid food after a hand surgery. She was then diagnosed with unilateral lingual nerve and hypoglossal nerve injuries. Extreme head rotation, relatively small oral cavity, and wide rigid composition at the lower part of the novel laryngeal mask probably resulted in cranial nerve injury.

Is Preoperative Embolization Necessary for Carotid Paraganglioma Resection: Experience of a Tertiary Center.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to investigate whether preoperative embolization is a useful procedure to decrease blood loss and neurovascular complications for carotid body tumor (CBT) surgery or not. METHODS: Medical records of our tertiary care center from 2012 to 2019 were scanned for patients who underwent surgery for CBT, retrospectively. Age, gender, complaint and head and neck examination findings at the time of presentation, preoperative complete blood count parameters, imaging records (cervical magnetic resonance imaging and carotid artery angiography), Shamblin classification, tumor size, intraoperative findings, and postoperative complications were noted. RESULTS: A total of 26 patients were operated due to CBT between 2012 and 2019 in our clinic; preoperative arterial embolization was performed to 15 (57.7%) patients, and 11 (42.3%) patients were operated without embolization. Youngest patient was 24 years old, while oldest was 69 years and mean age was 44.35 ± 12.73. (embolization group: ages ranging between 24 and 64 with a mean of 41.5 ± 11.02 years; in nonembolization group: ages ranging between 26 and 69 with a mean of 48.1 ± 14.3). Embolization status was not significantly related to cranial nerve injury, vascular injury, overall complications, and hematocrit decrease. Arterial injury is more likely to occur with increasing Shamblin class (r = .39; P = .04). Tumor size is not found to be significantly related to cranial nerve injury, vascular injury, overall complications, and hematocrit decrease, but cranial nerve injury and vascular injury were more likely to occur in large tumors (r = .34; P = .089 and r = .34; P = .087, respectively). Age was significantly and negatively correlated to vascular injury (r = -.51; P = .05). Vascular injury was significantly correlated with gender (male predominance: r = -.64; P = .000). CONCLUSION: Although preoperative arterial embolization is considered to attenuate the complication risk, we found that there was no significant difference among the patients with or without embolization.