Preoperative embolization of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma using medium to large size particles

Abstract

Introduction. Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma are benign tumors, with locally aggressive behavior. Preoperative tumor embolization with polyvinyl alcohol particles can reduce intraoperative blood loss and facilitate surgical resection. Case outline. A 16-year-old male was admitted to hospital due to profuse epistaxis and sense of nose fullness. Multidetector computed tomographic angiography examination showed a tumor mass in the right nasal cavity with extension to the right maxillary sinus and ethmoidal cells on the right, and in the left nasal cavity. It rested on the nasal septum, but without bone destruction. After application of contrast agent, described mass became intensely opacified. Preprocedural digital subtraction angiography of external and internal carotid arteries of both sides showed extensive pathological vascularization, which received main contribution from branches of maxillary artery on right and, to a lesser extent, on left side. Due to danger of penetration of a particle embolization agent of smaller diameter into orbital branches and possible retrograde migration into carotid artery, we decided to apply particle embolization agent of larger diameter (500?700 ?m) than prescribed by modern standards. Tumor was completely surgically removed third day after embolization, and patient was discharged without any neurological deficit. Control contrast enhanced multidetector computed tomographic angiographies were performed at third and seventh month after surgery and showed no tumor residue or recurrence. Conclusion. The use of particles of larger diameter gave satisfactory results during operation ? surgical excision of tumor, when dangerous anastomoses do not allow use of particles of smaller diameter and can be safely performed without significant neurological nor systemic complications.