Level of plasma catecholamine predicts surgical outcomes of carotid body tumors: Retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Backgrounds Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are rare neoplasms and some of them produce catecholamine. Although operations for catecholamine‐producing CBTs are safe, the relationship between prognosis and endocrine function has not been analyzed before. Methods Patients diagnosed with CBTs in our department between 2009 and 2018 were analyzed. Plasma catecholamine was examined as a variable of surgical outcomes and prognosis by using statistical methods. Results Patients who suffered CBTs and underwent operations were divided into two groups according to their plasma catecholamine. Patients in the normal group had more or heavier surgical complications, such as neurological complications (P = .008) and blood loss (P = .03), than those in the high group. However, overall survival, local recurrence, and remote metastasis were not varied significantly in both groups. Conclusions A high level of plasma catecholamine was a predictor for the improved operative outcomes of CBTs. Hence, nonfunctional CBTs had further short‐term surgical complications.

Carotid body tumors

“…The incidence of CBTs is low, with only 1-2 per million people in the US. 5 CBTs may be diagnosed at any age but are often seen between 50 and 70 years old with an age range of 18-94. Prevalence is slightly higher in women.…”

“…Plasma or 24-hour urinary catecholamine or metanephrine concentrations should be measured preoperatively for a baseline and then followed with regular postoperative surveillance to monitor tumor regrowth. 5 Large CBTs may present with cranial nerve palsies, with symptoms depending on which cranial nerve or nerves (for example, cranial nerves IX, X, or XII) are involved. Common symptoms include neck pain and dysphagia.…”

“…An increase in catecholamine levels may also cause ventricular arrhythmias and may require alpha- and beta-adrenergic blocker medications. Plasma or 24-hour urinary catecholamine or metanephrine concentrations should be measured preoperatively for a baseline and then followed with regular postoperative surveillance to monitor tumor regrowth 5…”

“…CBTs obtain their blood supply from the external carotid arteries. The incidence of CBTs is low, with only 1-2 per million people in the US 5. CBTs may be diagnosed at any age but are often seen between 50 and 70 years old with an age range of 18-94.…”