Preoperative Angiographic Embolization Research Articles

Preoperative embolization and en bloc resection of a metastatic pheochromocytoma of the cervical spine.

This is a unique case of metastatic pheochromocytoma of the cervical spine treated with preoperative embolization and subsequent en bloc resection. A 65-year-old man with metastatic pheochromocytoma presented with two weeks of worsening neck pain, left arm and leg weakness and paresthesia, and urinary incontinence. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a metastatic osseous lesion at C6 with severe stenosis and spinal cord compression. The patient underwent successful preoperative angiographic embolization with a liquid embolic agent followed by C5-C7 laminectomy, en bloc tumor resection, and C3-T2 posterior spinal fusion. Six weeks postoperatively, the patient reported improving strength and resolving neck pain and paresthesias. While there is no standard paradigm for the treatment of metastatic pheochromocytomas of the cervical spine, preoperative embolization may minimize intraoperative blood loss and hemodynamic instability during subsequent surgical resection.

Selective Angiographic Flat Detector Computer Tomography Blood Volume Imaging in Pre-Operative Vascular Mapping and Embolization of Hypervascular Intracranial Tumors-Preliminary Clinical Experience.

Pre-operative embolization of hypervascular intracranial tumors can be performed to reduce bleeding complications during resection. Accurate vascular mapping of the tumor is necessary for both the correct indication setting for embolization and for the evaluation of the performed embolization. We prospectively examined the role of whole brain and selective parenchymal blood volume (PBV) flat detector computer tomography perfusion (FD CTP) imaging in pre-operative angiographic mapping and embolization of patients with hypervascular intracranial tumors. Whole brain FD CTP imaging with a contrast injection from the aortic root and selective contrast injection in the dural feeding arteries was performed in five patients referred for tumor resection. Regional relative PBV values were obtained pre- and post-embolization. Total tumor volumes with selective external carotid artery (ECA) supply volumes and post-embolization devascularized tumor volumes were determined as well. In all patients, including four females and one male, with a mean age of 54.2 years (range 44–64 years), the PBV scans were performed without adverse events. The average ECA supply was 54% (range 31.5–91%). The mean embolized tumor volume was 56.5% (range 25–94%). Relative PBV values decreased from 5.75 ± 1.55 before embolization to 2.43 ± 1.70 post-embolization. In one patient, embolization was not performed because of being considered not beneficial for the resection. Angiographic FD CTP imaging of the brain tumor allows 3D identification and quantification of individual tumor feeder arteries. Furthermore, the technique enables monitoring of the efficacy of pre-operative endovascular tumor embolization.

Improving Outcomes after Allograft Nephrectomy through Use of Preoperative Angiographic Kidney Embolization.

Allograft nephrectomy (AN) has been associated with considerable perioperative morbidity. We aimed to determine if preoperative angiographic kidney embolization (PAKE) to induce graft thrombosis before AN improves outcomes. We reviewed adult kidney transplant alone patients who underwent AN at a single center from 2002 to 2020 and compared perioperative outcomes for patients with and without PAKE. Eighty patients underwent AN, including 54 (67.5%) with PAKE before AN and 26 (32.5%) with AN alone. PAKE was associated with significantly reduced blood loss (PAKE: mean 266 ± 292 mL vs AN alone: 495 ± 689 mL; p = 0.04) and reduced transfusion requirements (PAKE: mean 0.5 ± 0.8 packed red blood cell units vs AN alone: 1.6 ± 2.6 units; p = 0.004) despite similar preoperative hemoglobin levels. Mean operating time (PAKE: 142 ± 43 minutes vs AN alone: 202 ± 111 minutes; p = 0.001) and length of hospital stay (PAKE: 4.3 ± 2.0 days vs AN alone: 9.3 ± 9.4 days; p = 0.0003) also favored PAKE, as did the surgical complication rate (PAKE: 6/54 [11%] vs AN alone: 9/26 [35%], p = 0.02). Long-term patient survival after AN was comparable in both groups. PAKE was associated with lower intraoperative blood loss, fewer transfusions, reduced operating time, shorter length of stay, and fewer surgical complications compared with AN alone at our center.

Role of selective intralesional embolization in vascular conditions of the nose and paranasal sinuses

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Preoperative angiographic embolization of major feeding vessels is performed for vascular tumours and has become a valuable, even necessary tool in the surgical treatment of vascular lesions and is likely to improve the results of subsequent surgery.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> We have treated six patients, all males, aged between 16-22 years. The patients were informed of the treatment strategy, and their interventions were carried out in accordance with local and general ethical standards and principles. All patients presented with nasal obstruction and epistaxis. Routine blood investigations were done and contrast enhanced CT was done to all patients to know the site of origin, size and extend of the tumour. Five patients were treated with preoperative embolization, whilst one underwent surgery without embolization.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The outcome of the surgery in six patients were evaluated and interpreted. Patients who underwent sub selective embolization (SSE) had lowest morbidity and blood loss when compared to the one operated without embolization.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Embolization has a vital role to play in many aspects of otolaryngological practice. Using this safe technique of SSE, we achieved a significant shortening of time for surgical removal of the tumour as well as a reduction of total perioperative blood loss.</p>

Cervical paragangliomas: experience of 114 cases in 14 years

Introduction and objectiveTo report a single center experience with carotid body paraganglioma cases that were treated by the same surgeon in a city with high prevalence of paragangliomas due to high altitude. MethodsWe retrospectively investigated the demographic, clinicopathological and radiological data of 104 patients diagnosed with cervical paragangliomas between 2003 and 2017. The patients were classified according to the Shamblin classification. ResultsIn this study a total of 104 patients (33 male and 71 female, with a mean age of 54.6±13 years) diagnosed with cervical paragangliomas located on carotid bifurcation between 2003 and 2017 were included. Among those patients, 10 presented with bilateral tumors and in total, 114 paragangliomas were managed in this period. The mean diameter of the tumors was 5.12±1.45cm. Malignant tumor was determined in only one (0.9%) patient. All patients were operated. In 12 patients with the tumor diameter larger than 5cm, preoperative coil embolization was achieved. In 14 patients, preoperative angiographic embolization was employed and in 4 patients intraoperative sclerosing agent injections were performed. Facial paralysis was observed in 2 patients and dysphagia was present in 1 patient, Horner syndrome was seen in 1 patient and hoarseness was reported in 7 patients after operation. All those complications improved during follow-up. Mortality was not reported in any cases. ConclusionSurgery is the definitive treatment for patients with cervical paragangliomas. Although, it may be difficult in patients with the advanced Shamblin types, in experienced hands, complication rates are very low.

Head and neck paragangliomas: A two-decade institutional experience and algorithm for management.

ObjectivesParagangliomas of the head and neck and cranial base are typically benign, slow‐growing tumors arising within the jugular foramen, middle ear, carotid bifurcation, or vagus nerve proper. The objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive characterization of our institutional experience with clinical management of these tumors and posit an algorithm for diagnostic evaluation and treatment.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing treatment for paragangliomas of the head and neck and cranial base at our institution from 2000–2017. Data on tumor location, catecholamine levels, and specific imaging modalities employed in diagnostic work‐up, pre‐treatment cranial nerve palsy, treatment modality, utilization of preoperative angiographic embolization, complications of treatment, tumor control and recurrence, and hereditary status (ie, succinate dehydrogenase mutations) were collected and summarized.ResultsThe mean (SD) age of our cohort was 51.8 (±16.1) years with 123 (63.4%) female patients and 71 (36.6%) male patients. Catecholamine‐secreting lesions were found in nine (4.6%) patients. Fifty‐one patients underwent genetic testing, with mutations identified in 43 (20 SDHD, 13 SDHB, 7 SDHD, 1 SDHA, SDHAF2, and NF1). Observation with serial imaging, surgical extirpation, radiation, and stereotactic radiosurgery were variably employed as treatment approaches across anatomic subsites.ConclusionAn algorithmic approach to clinical management of these tumors, derived from our longitudinal institutional experience and current empiric evidence, may assist otolaryngologists, radiation oncologists, and geneticists in the care of these complex neoplasms.Level of Evidence4

Role of allograft nephrectomy following kidney graft failure: preliminary experience with pre-operative angiographic kidney embolization.

Allograft nephrectomy (AN) is not without morbidity following graft failure (GF) in kidney transplantation (KT). Single center retrospective review of all adult patients undergoing AN following KT, including a subset of patients who underwent pre-operative angiographic kidney embolization (PAKE). Over a 104 month period, 853 adult patients underwent deceased donor KT. With a median follow-up of 3.5 years, 174 patients (20.4%) developed GF and 38/174 (21.8%) underwent AN. The rate of AN was higher in patients with delayed graft function [DGF, Odds Ratio (OR) 2.15, p = 0.023] and early GF (OR 1.7, p = 0.064). For patients undergoing PAKE (n = 13, mean timing of AN 27.5 months post-KT), the estimated intra-operative blood loss was reduced from a mean of 375 ± 530 to 100 ± 162 ml (p < 0.10), mean peri-operative transfusion requirements were reduced from 3.36 ± 4.8 to 0.23 ± 0.44 units (p < 0.05), and total mean operating time was reduced from 192 ± 114 to 141 ± 38 min (p = NS) compared to 13 control patients undergoing AN in the absence of vascular thrombosis or PAKE. Mean length of hospital stay was decreased from 8.5 ± 9 to 5.5 ± 3 days (p = NS) in patients with PAKE. Surgical complication and infection rates and hospital charges were comparable. Delayed graft function and early GF are associated with a higher rate of AN. PAKE may result in less blood loss, fewer transfusions, reduced operating time, and shorter length of stay, which may translate into reductions in morbidity.

Endonasal endoscopic management of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma without angiographic embolization

The objective of the study was to present our experience with definitive endonasal endoscopic management of patients with Radkowski stage IA&B and IIA Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNAs) without preoperative angiographic embolization. This was a retrospective study performed at tertiary referral center. 18 males with JNAs stage IA&B and II A according to Radkowski classification were included in this study. Their ages ranged from 14 to 23 years with a mean of 16.7 years. All patients were presented by nasal obstruction with recurrent epistaxis in 15 patients. All the patients underwent computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging to delineate the extent and location of the tumor. Neither angiography nor embolization was done for any patient preoperatively. An endonasal endoscopic technique was used for excision of the tumors in all patients. Complete removal of the tumor was achieved in 16 patients with no residual or recurrent tumor. Two patients had residual tumors: the recurrence in the lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus in the first patient and in the pterygopalatine fossa in the other patient. Follow-up ranged from 14 to 72 months with a mean of 37.4 months. The mean of intraoperative blood loss was 342.3 ± 92.7 ml. The endonasal endoscopic approach is a safe and effective technique for small- and intermediate-sized JNAs (stage IA&B and IIA) without preoperative angiographic embolization. Hypotensive anesthesia, meticulous dissection as well as diathermy of the sphenopalatine artery greatly decrease the blood loss.

Endoscopic Surgery for Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma

Objective: Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is a rare benign neoplasm that occurs almost exclusively in the nasopharynx of adolescent males. Surgery remains the primary treatment of choice. JNA has always presented a management challenge to surgeons because of its vascular nature, site of occurrence, and local tissue destruction. External or intraoral incisions are standard open approaches, now endonasal endoscope surgery is widely accepted for its low invasion and high success rate. The purpose of this article is to present our experience with 16 patients diagnosed with JNA who were resected with endonasal endoscope surgery. Method: Records of 16 patients aged 11 to 32 with a mean age of 19.5 years treated by endoscopic surgery in our department between 2003 and 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. All patients were male. Preoperative radiological evaluation included both high resolution computed tomography with 1-mm cuts, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). According to Radkowski’s classification, 4 patients were stage Ia, 5 patients were stage Ib, 4 patients were stage IIa, and 3 patients were stage IIb. The tumor stages, feeding vessels, operating time, complications, and recurrence were observed and recorded. Eight patients received preoperative angiographic embolization, and 3 patients received intraoperative external carotid artery clamping. Transnasal or transpterygoid and posterolateral wall of maxillary sinus approaches are used for tumor resection. Results: The mean duration of the surgery was 2 hours. The mean intraoperative blood loss of patients who received preoperative hyperselective embolization was 470 mL, patients who received intraoperative external carotid artery clamping was 510 mL, and patients who did not receive arterial supply blocking was 930 mL. After surgery, CT scan or MR image showed total removal of the tumor was achieved in all patients. No postoperative complications were observed. All patients were followed-up for 9 months to 3 years (mean 1.5 years), and no recurrence was founded. Conclusion: Endoscopic resection of JNA is a difficult but effective operation. The key techniques to remove tumor are bleeding control, drilling-out the bone that the tumor invaded. Endonasal surgery combined with a preoperative embolization of the arterial supply can control blood loss. For small and intermediate-sized JNA (Radkowski Ia-IIb), endoscopic surgery is an appropriate choice. If the tumor extends into lateral fossa infratemporalis or deep into the skull base,we do not recommend it.

Management of a Giant Thoracic Hypervascular Paraspinal Ganglioma

We report a rare occurrence of a large primary nonfunctioning paraganglioma of the thoracic spine in a 76-year-old man who underwent successful multimodality treatment by preoperative angiographic embolization and debulking through a lateral transthoracic surgical approach.

Volumetric Assessment of Results of Treatment of Vascular Malformations of the Head and Neck Regions Treated With a Minimally Invasive Surgical Technique After Embolization Procedure

Treatment of large soft tissue vascular lesions, one of the greatest challenges facing plastic surgeons, is patient specific in almost all cases, and preoperative angiographic evaluation and embolization of these lesions are standards of care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of 3-dimensional demonstration and volumetric assessment of soft tissue vascular lesions both in the treatment of these lesions with curettage and in the participation of the patients to the decision-making process of the disease. Five patients with vascular malformation of the head and neck regions were included to this prospective trial. All patients were evaluated with preoperative angiography, and selective embolizations of the soft tissue vascular lesions were done in the same session by the same interventional radiologists. The amount of embolic agent injected was determined according to the size and vascularization of the lesions. Surgery was done by curettage of the embolized lesions 7 to 10 days after the embolization procedure. The raw data obtained from preoperative and postoperative high-resolution computed tomographic scans of the patients were processed with a Mimics 9.22 Software (Materialise's Interactive Medical Image Control System, Leuven, Belgium). Volume and surface area of the injected embolic agent were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using the software package SPSS 10.0 for Windows (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL). Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare the measurements of the volume and the surface area of injected sclerosing agent preoperatively and postoperatively. There were no complications related to either the preoperative angiography or embolization procedure. All the patients emphasized (assessed) that the 3-dimensional demonstration of the lesions and their relation with other anatomic structures helped them to understand the extent of their pathology and aim of the proposed treatment. The difference between the volumetric measurements before and after the treatment was found statistically significant. Treatment of large soft tissue vascular lesions with curettage after embolization has acceptable cosmetic results. Although it is not possible to remove all of the sclerosing agent from its injection site with this technique, a significant amount of it can be removed, and the 3-dimensional vascular architecture of the lesion is disturbed. Reactive chronic inflammation against the remaining sclerosing agent and the intralesional scarring caused by curettage lead to further improvement. Using 3-dimensional imaging modalities helps patients and/or their relatives to understand their disease and participate in the decision-making process.

Surgical Management of Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma Without Angiographic Embolization

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is a rare benign neoplasm that occurs almost exclusively in the nasopharynx of adolescent males. Surgery remains the primary treatment of choice. JNA has always presented a management challenge to surgeons because of its vascular nature, site of occurrence, and local tissue destruction. The surgical approaches are either standard open method which include external or intraoral incisions, or the recent advanced approach, i.e. via using the endonasal endoscope. It is widely accepted that the use of preoperative angiographic embolization reduces the occurrence of intraoperative bleeding and facilitates tumour removal. However, angiographic embolization is not available at all centres. The purpose of this article is to present our experience with five patients diagnosed with JNA who were resected without embolization, using various surgical approaches. Two tumours were removed via endonasal endoscopic surgery. None of the tumours were embolized prior to surgery. We highlight the preoperative evaluation of tumour extent, using both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance angiography, and the importance of temporary clamping of the external carotid artery intraoperatively. Our results suggest that the latter procedure is a safe and effective means of facilitating surgery and reducing intraoperative bleeding.

Juveniles Angiofibrom

In juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA), analysis of tumor extension and blood supply is useful for controlling intraoperative bleeding and helps in determining the appropriate surgical approach. The purpose of this study was to evaluate angiographic findings and the efficacy and benefits of preoperative embolization of JNA. Twenty-one male patients with JNA (mean age 13.3 years) were included in this study. The tumors were embolized with particles of gel foam. Surgical removal was achieved through transantral approach (n=2), lateral rhinotomy (n=13), midfacial degloving (n=4), and endonasally (n=2). The blood supply was exclusively homolateral in 18 patients, deriving mainly from the external carotid artery, and bilateral in three. There were no connections between the branches of the internal and external carotid arteries. Intratumoral embolization was achieved in all patients. No major complications occurred. Mean blood loss during surgery was 560 ml. The recurrence rate was 14%. Preoperative angiographic evaluation and embolization of JNA are important tools for planning surgical approach. Embolization reduces significantly the intraoperative blood loss, minimizes the need of blood transfusion, and makes resection easier.

Carotid Body Paraganglioma. Diagnosis and Treatment by Angiography

Paraganglioma is a rare neoplasia of neural crest origin. It most commonly arises in carotid body, jugular bulb, tympanic plexus on the promontory, and along the vagal nerve pathway or anywhere along the paraganglia pathway. This review describes our experience of cervical paraganglioma. Although there is no consensus in the literature on preoperative angiographic embolization, we think angiography is the gold standard in the diagnosis and treatment of paraganglioma. A small paraganglioma probably does not usually require preoperative embolization because the risks may exceed the benefits. But angiography is mandatory in the diagnosis and treatment of large highly vascular paragangliomas. Imaging of the vascular map of the tumor, that is only possible by angiography, will help the neurosurgeon evaluate the real extension of the neoplasia and chose treatment modalities. Embolization is performed to decrease operative bleeding, shorten the surgery timing and avoid cranial nerve deficit. Cemal Umit Isik et al. studied four brothers with familial paragangliomas noting unexplained concomitant thyroid functional disorders in their patients. Because of the pedigree they thought this may have been a coincidence. Our reported case, unrelated to the Turkish family, also had hypothyroidism suggesting that the relation between paraganglioma and thyroid dysfunction may not be merely a coincidence.

Large congenital pelvic arteriovenous malformation and management options

The congenital pelvic arteriovenous malformation (AVM) arises from dysplastic arteries and veins. These rare conditions might present to the urologist by producing massive hematuria. Most AVMs can be controlled by surgical resection, usually in conjunction with preoperative angiographic embolization. Here, we present a case of a large pelvic AVM that caused significant patient morbidity and required treatment by novel methods after the usual means had failed. In this report, we will detail those unique interventions required to control a tenuous clinical situation.

Tranexamic Acid for Hemostasis in the Surgical Treatment of Metastatic Tumors of the Spine

This is a retrospective study of sequential cohorts. To assess the efficacy of tranexamic acid in decreasing operative blood loss and the need for intraoperative transfusion in metastatic spine surgery. Significant published data have established the efficacy of antifibrinolytic drugs in limiting surgical bleeding during heart surgery and total joint replacement. One study in scoliosis suggested benefit in spine surgery as well. During a 6-month trial period, 14 patients with spine cancer undergoing palliative intralesional tumor excision and concomitant instrumentation to stabilize the spine in the hands of a single surgeon were administered tranexamic acid intraoperatively in the attempt to minimize operative blood loss. They were then compared to the immediately preceding 14 patients. Estimated operative blood loss was 1385 mL in the study group treated with tranexamic acid and 1815 mL in controls not receiving the drug, and was not found to be significantly decreased in this study. Control of operative bleeding in metastatic spine surgery can be problematical. Optimum protocol might include routine preoperative angiographic tumor embolization to decrease lesion vascularity in all cases, but angiography is not without risk. Noninvasive prophylaxis of tumor bleeding would have obvious desirable advantages but was, unfortunately, not achieved in this study.

Acute spinal cord compression caused by vertebral hemangioma

Background context The reported incidence of vertebral hemangioma within the spinal column is common. Most often these benign vascular tumors are incidental radiographic findings and do not cause neurological sequelae. Rarely, vertebral hemangiomas will cause compressive neurological symptoms, such as radiculopathy, myelopathy and paralysis. In these cases the clinical presentation is usually the subacute or delayed onset of progressive neurological symptoms. This report demonstrates a symptomatic vertebral hemangioma presenting with rapid onset neurologic sequelae. Purpose To discuss diagnostic and management issues presented by symptomatic vertebral hemangioma. Study design Case report and review of literature. Patient sample Sixty-one-year-old white woman with low back pain and rapidly progressive myelopathic symptoms. Methods A case of vertebral hemangioma with neurological sequelae is presented followed by a discussion of the literature concerning diagnostic and therapeutic options in the management of this pathologic entity. Results The results of our review reveal that the incidence of vertebral hemangioma causing compressive neurological symptoms is rare despite the overall prevalence of vertebral hemangioma. Vertebral hemangioma may present with rapid onset myelopathic symptoms and may mimic those symptoms caused by a malignancy. Radiographic imaging modalities are extremely useful and display characteristic findings in the diagnostic evaluation of these tumors. Angiographic embolization of feeding vessels has been effective in minimizing operative blood loss, and surgical decompression and stabilization is frequently indicated. Postsurgical radiotherapy has also been demonstrated to serve as a limited adjunct to surgery by reducing tumor recurrence in the event of less than complete tumor resection. Conclusions Because of the rapid presentation of myelopathic symptoms in this case, preoperative angiographic embolization was not performed, and the patient underwent emergent decompressive surgery. In this case emergent operative decompression and stabilization was effective in reversing the patient's myelopathic symptoms, while maintaining long-term stability of the spinal column. Postoperative radiation was not administered because of the extent of tumor resection. Surgical intervention has produced long-term cure of this patient's myelopathy and T10 vertebral hemangioma.

Surgical Treatment of Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma

Background. Nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is a histologically benign, but locally invasive tumor with a high incidence rate of persistence and recurrence. This study was performed to assess the clinical manifestation and various approaches of treatment and complications encountered during follow-up. Methods. Nasopharyngeal angiofibroma was diagnosed in 13 patients at our department between September 1984 and October 2001. We retrospectively evaluated the epidemiology, symptoms, tumor staging and treatments. Results. All of the patients were males. The mean age at diagnosis was 18.5 years. The most common symptoms were epistaxis, nasal obstruction, nasal discharge and blood-tinged sputum. The locations of tumors were commonly at the nasopharynx and nasal cavities. Preoperative angiographic embolization was performed on all patients, which significantly reduced intraoperative blood loss. Open surgery was performed on 11 patients and 2 patients underwent transnasal endoscopic surgery. None of the patients received radiotherapy. Conclusions. Surgical intervention with preoperative angiographic embolization should remain the treatment of choice. The endoscopic removal of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is appropriate for small tumors, but open approaches should be considered for extensive lesions.

Radiotherapy as adjunct to surgery for malignant carotid body paragangliomas presenting with lymph node metastases.

Three cases of malignant carotid body paragangliomas with nodal metastases are reported. Between 1985 and 1994, 3 female patients (51 to 65 years of age) were referred for postoperative radiotherapy after complete (2) or incomplete (1) surgical excision of a malignant carotid paraganglioma (Shamblin III). Preoperative angiographic embolization of the tumor-supplying arteries was performed in all cases. In 2 patients resection of the internal carotid artery and reconstruction by saphenous vein graft was necessary. Continuous course radiotherapy of the tumor bed (50 to 56 Gy/2 Gy) and regional lymph nodes (50 Gy) using photon beams was delivered in 2 patients. The third patient having had incomplete resection cancelled radiotherapy after 4 Gy. Within an observation time of 110 and 119 months no evidence of recurrence was obtained in both patients irradiated postoperatively. The third patient died of progressive disease. Twelve months after the withdrawn irradiation she presented with a tumor progression into the brain and an ulcerated mass on the right side of the neck and was irradiated consecutively for palliation (Figures 1a to 1f). In none of the patients severe acute or late radiation-induced complications were observed. In patients with malignant paraganglioma moderate dose postoperative radiotherapy of the tumor bed and regional lymph nodes is well tolerated. It seems to be effective to prolong local control after surgery, to eradicate microscopic lymphatic disease and eventually to postpone further spreading.

Preoperative angiographic embolization of carotid glomus tumors. A method for improving operability

During surgical resections carotid body tumors may bleed profusely due to their vascularity. Preoperative angiographic embolization of tumor-supplying arteries has reduced intraoperative blood loss significantly. The present study reviews our clinical experiences with 13 paragangliomas of the carotid bifurcation in 12 patients during the past 5 years. In 6 patients (46.1%) computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated extensive spread of the tumor up to the base of the skull. Tumors of this size were initially assessed as being inoperable but curative surgical resections were performed after embolization of tumor-supplying arteries by intravascular injections of Gelfoam and implantations of microcoils. Vascular reconstruction of the internal carotid artery by a saphenous vein graft was required in 4 patients (30.7%). In 3 malignant paragangliomas (23.0%) adjuvant radiotherapy of 50-60 Gy was administered to the tumor site after surgery. During an average follow-up of 29 months, one malignant paraganglioma was found to have recurred locally 13 months after initial therapy.