Carotid Artery Invasion Research Articles

Surgical Management Strategies for Carotid Artery Invasion by Head and Neck Cancer: Ligation Versus Reconstruction.

Whether ligation or reconstruction should be performed after radical resection of the tumor and carotid artery in patients with head and neck cancers invading the carotid artery (HNC-CA) has been controversial. This paper provides a review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of these 2modalities. PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus, and Ovid databases were searched through August 2023. Descriptive, graphical, tabular, and quantitative data were extracted. The statistical outcomes (risk difference, RD) were synthesized under a random-effects model. This study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses reporting guidelines. A total of 22 papers and 337 patients met the inclusion criteria for the literature review. Statistical analysis showed that the RD of overall survival (OS) rate at 1-year was 32% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 21%-42%) for ligation and 70% (95% CI: 65%-76%) for reconstruction (P < .05). The RD for OS rate at 2-year was 16% (95% CI: 7%-26%) for ligation and 39% (95% CI: 30%-47%) for reconstruction (P < .05). The RD for disease-free survival rate at 1-year was 27% (95% CI: 17%-38%)for ligation and 60% (95% CI: 51%-70%) for reconstruction (P < .05). There were no statistically significant differences (P > .05) between the 2surgical modalities in terms of locoregional recurrence rate, carotid blowout rate, surgery-related complications rate, neurological complications rate, and perioperative mortality rate. This review demonstrates the significant advantage of carotid artery reconstruction surgery in short-term patient survival, thus making it a recommended option for HNC-CA patients undergoing radical surgery.

Tumor ablation including carotid artery resection and simultaneous reconstruction: A retrospective study

The study purpose is to review the surgical approach and evaluate the results in cases of head and neck malignancies with internal carotid artery invasion.The anatomical site of the primary tumor varied including a fixed massive metastatic neck disease of an occult intraoral carcinoma of the right tonsil, a recurrent metastatic neck tumor after laryngectomy for glottic primary carcinoma and a metastatic malignant melanoma of an unknown primary origin. In all cases carotid artery was invaded and therefore resected. An extended Javid shunt was performed between common carotid artery (CCA) and internal carotid artery (ICA) followed by CCA grafting with an interposition saphenous vein graft. In one case the vagus nerve was also grafted with an interposition sural graft.The total patient number was three. By clinical examination, follow-up and duplex scanning, the patency of the carotid grafts, vascular and non-vascular complications, disease recurrence and survival were analysed. Additionally, there was a double metachronous reconstruction for recurrence, giving the opportunity to study the graft adoption and response to disease.Internal carotid artery invasion portends a poor prognosis. The results show that carotid artery resection followed by the appropriate reconstruction yields a chance for cure or can provide reasonable palliation.

Prognostic significance of cervical radiologic carotid artery invasion by lymph node on magnetic resonance imaging in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

PurposeCarotid artery invasion (CAI) has been demonstrated to be an important prognosticator in some head and neck cancers. This study aimed to examine the prognostic value of radiologic CAI (rCAI) by cervical lymphadenopathy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).MethodsNPC patients treated between January 2013 and December 2016 were included. Pre-treatment MRIs were reviewed for cervical rCAI according to the radiologic criteria. Univariate and multivariate models were constructed to assess the association between cervical rCAI and clinical outcomes. A new N classification system was proposed and compared to the 8th AJCC system.ResultsThe percentage of patients with MRI-positive lymph nodes was 84.7% (494/583), of whom cervical rCAI cases accounted for 42.3% (209/494). Cervical rCAI was associated with significantly poorer OS, DFS, DFFS and RFFS compared to non-rCAI (P < 0.05). Multivariate analyses confirmed that cervical rCAI was an independent prognosticator for DFS and DFFS, surpassing other nodal features, such as laterality, size, cervical node necrosis (CNN) and radiologic extranodal extension (rENE), while location of positive LNs remained independently associated with OS, DFS and DFFS. We propose a refined N classification: New_N1: upper neck LNs only without cervical rCAI; New_N2: upper neck LNs only with cervical rCAI; New_N3: upper and lower LNs. The proposed classification broadened the differences in OS, DFS and DFFS between N1 and N2 disease, and achieved a higher c-index for DFS and DFFS.ConclusionsCervical rCAI was an independent unfavorable indicator of NPC. Compared to the AJCC system, the proposed N category showed satisfactory stratification between N1 and N2 disease, and better prediction of distant metastasis and disease failure.

Analysis of clinical prognosis of endoscopic salvage surgery in patients with rT2 recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of endoscopic salvage surgery for patients with rT2 recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (rNPC) and to analyze their prognostic factors. Methods: The clinical data of 33 patients with rT2 rNPC who underwent endoscopic extended nasopharyngectomy in Eye & ENT Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University from January 2015 to July 2020 were analyzed, including 29 males (87.9%) and 4 females (12.1%), aging (51.7±10.6) years. The clinicopathological characteristics of these patients were recorded and analyzed, in terms of gender, sex, alcohol and cigarette use, interval between primary treatment to recurrence, adjuvant therapy, lymph node metastasis, internal carotid artery (ICA) invasion, necrosis, margin and reconstruction materials. Kaplan Meier analysis was used to plot the overall survival rate and progression free survival rate curve, Log-rank test was used to analyze the prognostic factors among patients, and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression was used to determine the independent risk factors of tumor progression free survival. Results: Among 33 patients with rT2 rNPC, the recurrence interval of 24 patients with rNPC after primary radiotherapy was more than 2 years. A total of 25 patients received primary radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy at the same time. There were 6 cases with cervical lymph node metastasis, 12 cases with ICA invasion, 8 cases with positive surgical margin, 7 cases underwent ICA embolization before operation. A total of 18 cases underwent pedicled tissue flap repairment after operation, including 12 pedicled nasal septal mucosa flaps and 6 temporalis muscle flaps. The median follow-up time was 15 months. Five patients died because of disease progression (in 2 cases), post surgical ICA hemorrhage (in 1 case), liver metastasis (in 1 case) and dysphagia (in 1 case). The 1-year, 2-year and 3-year overall survival rates of all patients were 93.9%, 81.8% and 81.8%, respectively. The 1-year, 2-year and 3-year progression free survival rates were 74.7%, 59.7% and 40.9%, respectively. Log-rank statistical analysis showed that the positive surgical margin (P=0.060) and recurrence interval (P=0.151) were possibly related to the prognosis of rT2 rNPC. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the positive surgical margin was an independent risk factor for patients with rT2 rNPC (P=0.034). Nasopharynx hemorrhage occurred in 4 patients, skull base bone necrosis occurred in 2 patients, trismus occurred in 3 patients, and no obvious brain complications occurred in 7 patients with ICA embolization. Conclusion: Endoscopic salvage surgery for rT2 rNPC is a safe and effective surgical option, but the long-term effect still needs long-term follow-up in bulk cases.

Prediction model based on preoperative CT findings for carotid artery invasion in patients with head and neck masses.

ObjectivesTo investigate the performance of a model in predicting carotid artery (CA) invasion in patients with head and neck masses using computed tomography (CT).MethodsThis retrospective study included patients with head and neck masses who underwent CT and surgery between January 2013 and July 2021. Patient characteristics and ten CT features were assessed by two radiologists. The patients were randomly allocated to a training cohort (n=106) and a validation cohort (n=109). Independent risk factors for CA invasion were assessed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The predictive model was established as a nomogram using the training cohort. In addition, the calibration, discrimination, reclassification, and clinical application of the model were assessed in the validation cohort.ResultsA total of 215 patients were evaluated, including 54 patients with CA invasion. Vascular wall deformation (odds ratio [OR], 7.17; p=0.02) and the extent of encasement to the CA (OR, 1.02; p<0.001) were independent predictors of CA invasion in the multivariable analysis in the training cohort. The performance of the model was similar between the training and validation cohort, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.93 (95% confidence intervals [CI], 0.88-0.98) and 0.88 (95% CI, 0.80-0.96) (p=0.07), respectively. The calibration curve showed a good agreement between the predicted and actual probabilities.ConclusionA predictive model for carotid artery invasion can be defined based on features that come from patient characteristics and CT data to help in improve surgical planning and invasion evaluation.

Efficacy and safety of a treatment in patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LANC) involving carotid artery invasion.

Locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LANC) often invades the parapharyngeal space and internal carotid artery. Are patients with LANC invading carotid artery are at risk of massive neck hemorrhage after radiotherapy? This retrospective study included 130 LANC patients with carotid artery invasion admitted to our hospital between January 2012 and September 2019. All patients were treated with induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) ± epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor. Univariate and multivariate analysis of risk factors were conducted for the prognosis and the occurrence of massive neck hemorrhage of LANC patients with carotid artery invasion. The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), local nodal recurrence-free survival (LNRFS), local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), nodal recurrence-free survival (NRFS) and overall survival (OS) of the 130 patients were 75.2%, 76.8%, 90.0%, 93.9%, 95.8% and 87.2%, respectively. The incidence of fatal bleeding after radiotherapy was 2.3% (3/130). The primary site of the three cases were all the pharyngeal recess, with more than 270° carotid artery invasion, suffering nasopharyngeal necrosis after radiotherapy (2 of which were diabetics and 1 received re-radiation after recurrence). Univariate analysis showed that clinical stage was negatively correlated with DMFS and PFS (P < 0.05). The induction chemotherapy TP regimen, platinum-based concurrent chemotherapy and EGFR inhibitors (Nituzumab/Cetuximab) significantly improved PFS and DMFS (P < 0.05). Patients with hemoglobin levels > 110g/L had significantly inferior PFS, DMFS and OS than those with hemoglobin levels ≤ 110g/L (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the EGFR inhibitor was an independent risk factor for PFS and DMFS, while the lowest hemoglobin level was an independent risk factor for OS. In LANC patients whose carotid artery invasion was < 270°, induction chemotherapy (IC) followed by helical tomotherapy (HT) and concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) with EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) inhibitor had mild and tolerable side effects, better PFS and DMFS, with no massive hemorrhage. In patients whose primary tumor was pharyngeal recess with carotid artery invasion ≥ 270°, poorly controlled diabetes or re-radiotherapy led to a higher risk of massive hemorrhage after radiotherapy.

Utility of computed tomography findings as a predictor of carotid artery invasion by metastatic lymph nodes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Carotid artery invasion by metastatic lymph nodes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the diagnostic criteria for unresectable tumors. However, to date, the diagnostic criteria for carotid artery invasion have not been well documented. This study investigated the utility of computed tomography (CT) findings as a predictor of carotid artery invasion by metastatic lymph nodes in HNSCC. Twenty-eight patients who had metastatic lymph nodes of HNSCC attached to the carotid artery as seen on CT images before neck dissection from January 2011 to November 2017 were included. Five imaging parameters (angle of contact [AC], length of contact [LC], haziness of the carotid artery wall [HW], size of the lymph node, and involvement of the bifurcation of the carotid artery [IB]) were assessed using CT to predict carotid artery invasion. Furthermore, the utility of the combination of these five parameters was evaluated. There were significant differences in AC, LC, and IB between patients with and without carotid artery invasion. There were significant differences in all combinations of the two image findings between patients with and without carotid artery invasion. In particular, the combinations of LC and HW, and LC and IB could clearly predict carotid artery invasion. AC, LC, and IB were useful predictors of carotid artery invasion of metastatic lymph nodes in HNSCC. This study is the first to report that IB is a useful predictor of carotid artery invasion in HNSCC.

Survival Follow-Up Analysis of EBBA Treatment Strategy for Internal Carotid Artery Invasion by Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Survival Follow-Up Analysis of EBBA Treatment Strategy for Internal Carotid Artery Invasion by Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Resection of the internal carotid artery in selected patients affected by cancer of the skull base.

Invasion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) has been historically considered a criterion of non-resectability of skull base cancer (SBC). Patients affected by SBC who underwent surgery including resection of ICA at two tertiary institutions were included. Demographics, oncologic, and surgical information, complications, and survival outcomes were retrospectively reviewed. Survival outcomes were calculated. Ten patients were included. Three surgical approaches (transnasal endoscopic, transorbital, and transpetrosal) were employed to resect the invaded/abutted tract(s) of the ICA. All patients underwent ICA temporary balloon occlusion test. In two patients, an extracranial-to-intracranial arterial bypass was harvested. Major neuromorbidity was observed in two patients. Perioperative mortality of the series was 10.0%. Mean overall survival was 27.2months, with 2-year overall and progression-free survival rate of 88.9%. ICA resection is feasible as part of the ablation performed for very advanced SBCs. Survival outcomes are acceptable in adequately selected patients.

Clinical efficacy of bypass grafting in recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients with internal carotid artery invasion

BackgroundWe aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of bypass grafting in recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients with internal carotid artery invasion. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed involving 51 patients either operated by bypass grafting (n = 22) or treated with repeated chemo-radiotherapy (n = 29). ResultsFour patients in the bypass grafting group died 3–5 months after the operation due to epistaxis and pulmonary infection (4/22, 18.2%), and three more patients exhibited a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≥ 2 during the follow-up (3/22, 13.6%). In the repeated chemo-radiotherapy group, 8 patients died (8/29, 27.6%), including seven patients dying within 2–3 months due to epistaxis and pulmonary infection (7/29, 24.1%). One more patient died of epistaxis after 9 months. The difference in mortality between the two treatment groups within 3 months of treatment was statistically significant (P = 0.038). ConclusionsCerebrovascular reconstruction after detailed collateral flow assessment is an effective treatment for recurrent NPC patients with internal carotid artery invasion.

Assessment of Internal Carotid Artery Invasion With the Endoscopic Endonasal Approach: Implications of a New Grading System and Security Strategy.

Internal carotid artery (ICA) injury during the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) for ventral cranial base tumors is rare but fatal. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between ventral cranial base tumors and corresponding ICA using quantitative means to improve the safety of surgery. In this retrospective study, a total of 46 patients with ventral cranial base tumors undergoing surgery with the EEA were enrolled. Preoperative imaging features and clinical data were recorded. The influencing factors of the gross total resection (GTR) rate were analyzed. A new grading system and security strategy were developed. Postoperative enhanced magnetic resonance imaging showed a GTR of 61.7%. There was a significant correlation between the GTR rate and tumors surrounding the ICA, the tumor site, the involved ICA segment, and the blood supply (P < 0.05). We included preoperative radiotherapy as supplementary data in the grading system. Each variable involved the letter "S"; (surround, site, segment, blood supply, supplementary data); hence, the system was named the 5S ICA grading scale. We recommend a safety assessment through the 5S ICA grading scale and the ICA grading strategy to obtain the maximum total resection rate while ensuring patient safety.

Surgical Treatment of a Patient with Invasion of Multiple Organs Including the Common Carotid Artery by Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Surgical Management for Invasion of the Aerodigestive Tract

Background: Extrathyroidal invasion has the greatest negative prognostic impact among several adverse prognostic factors of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). Surgical treatment for locally advanced DTC is challenging. In particular, the presence of great vessel involvement makes it more challenging, with vessel rupture and infection being common occurrences, especially in patients with laryngotracheal or esophageal intraluminal invasion.1 Locoregional tumors presenting with great vessel and/or multiple organ invasion have been deemed to be unresectable. However, there has been little discussion regarding which types of locoregional tumor are unresectable. Regarding the surgical management of aerodigestive invasion, the 2015 American Thyroid Association management guidelines state that surgical decision making can be complex and must balance oncologic surgical completeness with preservation of the upper aerodigestive tract head neck function. However, surgical management of aerodigestive tract invasion remains controversial.2 Materials and Methods: A right thyroid tumor was unexpectedly detected in a 77-year-old man by computed tomography images. The man was found to have papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) by fine needle aspiration biopsy. He was referred for the surgical treatment of multiple organ invasion by PTC. Tumor encasement of about 180° of the right common carotid artery and aerodigestive tract invasion were suspected on pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging. We performed total thyroidectomy, including resection of multiple organ infiltration and right lateral neck dissection. Our surgical strategy for locally advanced DTC is implemented with curative surgical intent for all patients and functional preservation or reconstruction, if possible. Results: The thyroid tumor infiltrated the right common carotid artery, internal jugular vein, prevertebral fascia, pharyngoesophagus, laryngotrachea, and right recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). We performed subadventitial resection of the common carotid artery, partial prevertebral fascia resection, muscle layer resection of the pharyngoesophagus, framework resection of the larynx, window resection of the trachea from first to fourth ring, and resection and intralaryngeal reconstruction of the right RLN.3 After tumor resection, the right common carotid artery was covered using a deltopectoral flap and separated from the tracheacutaneous fistula. Pathology analysis confirmed well-differentiated PTC, which was classified as pT4bN1bM0. The tracheocutaneous fistula was closed 2 months after surgery. The patient underwent radioactive iodine (RAI) adjuvant therapy of 100 mCi, 6 months after surgery. RAI uptake was noticed in only the thyroid bed. Maximum phonation time was 10 seconds, 6 months after surgery. Conclusions: This video illustrates the technical details of surgical management for invasion of the aerodigestive tract. These surgical techniques are effective for improving surgical curability and functional preservation. No competing financial interests exist. Runtime of video: 9 mins 29 secs

Chapter 3 - Clinoidal meningiomas

Meningiomas that arise at the anterior clinoid process are termed clinoidal meningiomas and are characterized by unique anatomopathologic correlates that result in unique clinical behavior. According to their site of origin, clinoidal meningiomas can be further divided into three subgroups, which also differ in their clinical presentation and surgical outcome. Clinoidal meningiomas are centered on the anterior clinoid process and grow upward with a small pedicle while causing hyperostosis of the anterior clinoid process itself. The optic nerve is frequently compressed and visual symptoms occur early and in most cases. Upon surgical resection, visual symptoms improve in a significant portion of patients. Cavernous sinus invasion is infrequent. With increasing size, however, clinoidal meningiomas tend to invade surrounding neurovascular structures including distal carotid branches, which results in poor surgical outcome. Most clinoidal meningioma cases are managed with surgery where the anterior clinoid process is also removed along with the tumor either with an extradural or an intradural approach. Standard as well as minimal invasive and skull base approaches are advocated by different groups, but the results are comparable. Surgical results are very good in most cases with low mortality and morbidity. Invasion of the internal carotid artery, optic nerve, or distal carotid branches increase the risk of a postoperative residual. Recurrences are observed and usually managed with Gamma-Knife radiosurgery.

Internal Carotid Artery Embolization for Carotid Blowout Syndrome from Locally Advanced Salivary Malignancy: A Case Report.

Introduction: Carotid blowout syndrome is a rare and devastating complication of malignancies of the head and neck. It is most often associated with aggressive management of recurrent or advanced tumors. It occurs most commonly with carotid artery invasion and high dose radiation therapy. It is less commonly described in patients without a history of radiation and has never been described in relation to transoral biopsy. Methods: We present the case of a 56 year-old-male with a late presentation of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the left parotid gland who developed acute, massive hemorrhage of the carotid artery one day after transoral biopsy. He required ACLS and mass transfusion protocol leading to obtundation. He was taken for emergent carotid angiogram and embolization of the internal carotid artery. Results: The patient was sucessfully embolized and resuscitated.His hemodynamics were stabilized shortly after the embolization. His neurologic status remained unchanged. He had, however, suffered irreversible anoxic encephalopathy secondary to hemorrhagic shock despite resuscitation and ACLS, and in proceeding days was declared brain dead. Conclusion: Carotid blowout syndrome is an infrequently occurring complication of advanced malignancies of the head and neck. It is typically after aggressive courses of radiation. Both stents and coil embolization offer excellent technical success however no randomized trials have compared the two methods. Stenting should be performed when the patient demonstrates neurologic symptoms with occlusion of the carotid artery with angioplasty balloon. Though endovascular intention achieves excellent control of bleeding, the long term prognosis of the patients is dismal due to the advanced nature of the cancers.

SURG-34. CLINICAL PREDICTORS OF TUMOR RECURRENCE AFTER PITUITARY ADENOMA RESECTION

Abstract INTRODUCTION Repeat surgery after tumor recurrence after pituitary adenoma resection can be challenging due to formation of scar tissue and loss of surgical landmarks, which can lead to increased rates of postoperative complications. Identification of clinical predictors of tumor recurrence would allow for appropriate stratification of patients to optimize preoperative counseling and postoperative management. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of 349 patients who underwent pituitary adenoma resection at Johns Hopkins Hospital between 2003 and 2017. We used unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression to identify predictors of tumor recurrence. Factors which were associated with tumor recurrence in univariable models (p&lt; 0.1), were included in our multivariable model. Factors that remained significantly associated with tumor recurrence (p&lt; 0.05) in our multivariable model were considered predictors of recurrence. RESULTS 59 (16.9%) patients developed tumor recurrence at the time of our study. Patients who had surgery through one nare, transcranial surgery, visual field deficit, larger tumor volume, bilateral cavernous sinus invasion, carotid artery invasion, and postoperative cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) leak were more likely to have tumor recurrence. Conversely, patients who are younger in age, had sphenoid packing, and gross total resection were less likely to have tumor recurrence. In our multivariable model, only age (adjusted odds ratio[aOR]: 0.96), surgery through one nare (aOR: 2.05), gross total resection(aOR: 0.21), and presence of CSF leak(aOR: 4.43) remained significantly associated with tumor recurrence. CONCLUSIONS We identified several predictors of tumor recurrence after pituitary adenoma resection. Notably, having gross total resection of the primary tumor had the most significant protective effect on tumor recurrence. Given the increased complication associated with repeat surgery, gross total resection should be attempted in all patients, if feasible. Patients with other predictors of tumor recurrence should be monitored more frequently to allow for early detection of recurrence to optimize treatment strategies.

Invasive Fungal Carotiditis: A Rare Manifestation of Cranial Invasive Fungal Disease: Case Series and Systematic Review of the Literature.

BackgroundRhinosinusitis, malignant otitis externa, and skull base osteomyelitis represent a spectrum of cranial invasive fungal disease (IFD). These syndromes have distinct characteristics, yet they may progress to involve similar structures, resulting in inflammation and invasion of the adjacent internal carotid artery (ICA). Invasive fungal carotiditis can have devastating consequences, including cerebral infarction, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and death.MethodsWe retrospectively studied all patients diagnosed with cranial IFD and carotid involvement at our institution from 2003 to 2018. We also searched Medline/PubMed for reports of Aspergillus or Mucorales cranial infections with ICA involvement. All cases with mycologic evidence of cranial IFD and radiographic or pathologic evidence of ICA involvement were included.ResultsWe identified 78 cases of invasive fungal carotiditis between 1958 and 2018, including 4 cases at our own institution. Forty-one were caused by Aspergillus and 37 by Mucorales species. Presenting symptoms included vision changes (73%), cranial nerve palsy (69%), and headache (42%). Carotid events included occlusion, aneurysm formation, and vessel rupture. Cerebral infarcts occurred in 50% of cases. Mortality at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 2 years was 27%, 41%, and 71% respectively. The median time from symptom onset to death was 150 days for cases due to Aspergillus and 51 days for cases due to Mucorales species.ConclusionsInvasive fungal carotiditis is a rare but morbid manifestation of cranial IFD. Early suspicion of IFD and administration of antifungal treatment, vascular imaging, and endovascular interventions should be considered to reduce the high mortality of this disease.

Two cases of recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma accompanied with internal carotid artery invasion and mouth opening restriction

报道安徽医科大学第一附属医院治疗2例伴张口受限复发性鼻咽癌患者的过程。病例1张口受限，反复鼻腔大出血，CT血管造影显示鼻咽颅底颈内动脉呈环形狭窄；病例2术前张口受限，头痛难以忍受，强力要求手术不愿行进一步检查。对于病例1，手术时首先行颈总动脉结扎，再采用下唇正中切开下颌骨升支切除，切除累及颈内动脉鼻咽复发肿瘤，创面用帽状筋膜修复。对于病例2，直接采用下唇正中切开下颌骨升支切除，解剖鼻咽颅底颈内动脉，最大限度切除复发灶，创面用帽状筋膜修复。2例手术均顺利完成，术后未见严重并发症，生活质量明显改善。.

Appropriateness of Subadventitial Resection for Invasion of the Carotid Artery by Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.

Selection of surgical treatment for patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) that includes great vessel invasion is challenging. We investigated the efficacy of tumor excision, with regard to safety of the surgical procedure and prognosis among patients with PTC invasion of the carotid or vertebral artery. This study is a retrospective review of patients who underwent surgical excision for PTC at our institution, between 1981 and 2010, with 49 patients treated for carotid artery invasion and nine for vertebral artery invasion. Twenty patients with carotid artery invasion receiving initial treatment underwent subadventitial resection. Among 29 relapsing patients with carotid artery invasion, subadventitial resection was performed in 27 and en-block resection and reconstruction in the other two. In patients with carotid artery invasion, locoregional recurrence was identified in 14 patients, with the recurrence specific to the carotid artery in one case and distant recurrence in 15. The 10-year disease-specific survival rate was shorter among relapsing patients (21.7%) than among those receiving an initial treatment (69.3%). At 8years after surgery, however, the survival rates were comparable between the two groups. Of the nine patients with vertebral artery invasion, two received initial treatment, with either preservation or reconstruction of the vertebral artery. The other six cases were tumor recurrences, treated by tumor and vertebral artery resection. Vertebral artery invasion was associated with carotid artery invasion in five patients and subclavian artery invasion in four. Carotid artery invasion by PTC did not extend beyond the adventitia of the artery in the majority of patients. Most patients with vertebral artery invasion required tumor excision with vertebral artery resection.

Benefit of salvage total pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy for recurrent locally advanced head and neck cancer after radiotherapy

BackgroundThe treatment modalities for recurrent locally advanced head and neck cancer failure after radiotherapy are limited with poor prognosis. Salvage supra-radical operation seems to be an option. It has not been established which patients will benefit from salvage total pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 66 patients with previously irradiated recurrent T4 head and neck cancer who underwent salvage total pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy at our institution between January 2001 and June 2014. The clinical outcome and toxicities were analyzed.ResultsFlap loss occurred in 2 patients, and the incidence of fistulas and anastomosis strictures was 15.6% (10/66) and 13.6% (9/66), respectively. The median survival time of the entire cohort was 12 months. The interval between radiation and salvage surgery, and microscopic carotid artery invasion were identified as independent prognostic factors for overall survival. The 3-year overall survival rates of patients with (n = 33) and without (n = 33) risk factors were 9.1% and 47.2%, respectively (p = 0.007). A time interval between radiation and salvage surgery ≤6 months and previous concurrent chemotherapy or targeted therapy were risk factors for severe post-operative complications.ConclusionsSalvage total pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy is beneficial to selected patients with recurrent locally advanced head and neck cancer after radiotherapy.

Use of dynamic MRI during swallowing to assess carotid artery invasion by neck metastasis.

The effectiveness of dynamic MRI in evaluating the relationship between metastatic lymph nodes and the carotid artery was investigated. Thirty-two patients with metastatic lymph nodes, possibly adherent to the carotid artery, were evaluated with dynamic MRI before surgery. Consecutive axial and oblique images were obtained during swallowing. The displacement rate of the target carotid artery to the contralateral carotid artery and the low-intensity stripe between the metastatic lymph nodes and the carotid artery wall were compared with the surgical findings. A displacement rate > 50% indicated resectable metastatic lymph nodes. Low-intensity stripe was present in 65% of patients and indicated no invasion; 82% of patients without low-intensity stripe had resectable metastatic lymph nodes. The others without low-intensity stripe required carotid artery resection due to malignant invasion. The accuracy rate, sensitivity, and specificity were 78%, 83%, and 100%, respectively. Dynamic MRI during swallowing is useful for assessing suspected carotid artery involvement in patients with metastatic lymph nodes to achieve maximal safe resection.