Neurological complications in carotid body tumors: A 6-year single-center experience

Abstract

The overall rate of neurological complications is higher with tumors of higher Shamblin groups. Preoperative embolization was not effective in reducing neurological complications. The rates of postoperative stroke and permanent cranial nerve palsy after resection of large tumors are acceptable.

Surgical Excision of Carotid Body Tumor Through Modified Approach–A Case Report

“…The hypoglossal and vagus nerve appeared to be most vulnerable to injury due to retraction or sacrifice [22]. Higher the Shamblin's grade higher the neurological complication [23]. In our case the patient developed hoarseness of voice and repeated aspiration.…”

Carotid body tumors: A report of three cases and current literature review

“…According to some studies, the preoperative embolization procedure is beneficial since it lowers blood flow and decreases tumor size, thereby may facilitate complete tumor removal with less blood loss especially in large tumors [20][21][22]. On the other hand, in some other studies, the preoperative embolization was not recommended on account of not only its uselessness both also the risk of postembolization morbidity such as transient ischemic attack and even stroke by embolic particles [23,24].…”

Surgical Resection of Painless Carotid Body Tumour without Preoperative Embolization: A Case Report and Review of Literature

“…The embryologic origin is from the third branchial arch and contains homeostatic chemoreceptor cells-the sensory nerve endings of the carotid sinus nerve penetrate the clusters to synapse with chemoreceptor cells [31][32][33][34][35][36][37]. The carotid body is made up of two types of cells, called glomus cells: glomus type I cells derived from the neural crest, and glomus type II cells and act as supporting cells [38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47]. The glomus or type I cells of the CB are the transducers of hypoxic stimuli, and relay chemosensory information to the brainstem via neurotransmitter release at synaptic contacts with afferent terminals of the carotid sinus nerve.…”

“…Vascular supply is achieved not only by the occipito-pharyngeal trunk but also by the external carotid, ascendant pharyngeal and occipital arteries via one to more than three side branches [8,18,40,47].…”