Cerebral revascularization and carotid artery resection at the skull base for treatment of advanced head and neck malignancies

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

OBJECTIVE

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 2 modalities.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus, and Ovid databases were searched through August 2023.

REVIEW METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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 2 surgical modalities in terms of locoregional recurrence rate, carotid blowout rate, surgery-related complications rate, neurological complications rate, and perioperative mortality rate.

CONCLUSION

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.

International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Sinonasal Tumors

BACKGROUND

Sinonasal neoplasms, whether benign and malignant, pose a significant challenge to clinicians and represent a model area for multidisciplinary collaboration in order to optimize patient care. The International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Sinonasal Tumors (ICSNT) aims to summarize the best available evidence and presents 48 thematic and histopathology-based topics spanning the field.

METHODS

In accordance with prior International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology documents, ICSNT assigned each topic as an Evidence-Based Review with Recommendations, Evidence-Based Review, and Literature Review based on the level of evidence. An international group of multidisciplinary author teams were assembled for the topic reviews using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses format, and completed sections underwent a thorough and iterative consensus-building process. The final document underwent rigorous synthesis and review prior to publication.

RESULTS

The ICSNT document consists of four major sections: general principles, benign neoplasms and lesions, malignant neoplasms, and quality of life and surveillance. It covers 48 conceptual and/or histopathology-based topics relevant to sinonasal neoplasms and masses. Topics with a high level of evidence provided specific recommendations, while other areas summarized the current state of evidence. A final section highlights research opportunities and future directions, contributing to advancing knowledge and community intervention.

CONCLUSION

As an embodiment of the multidisciplinary and collaborative model of care in sinonasal neoplasms and masses, ICSNT was designed as a comprehensive, international, and multidisciplinary collaborative endeavor. Its primary objective is to summarize the existing evidence in the field of sinonasal neoplasms and masses.

Clinical effect of high-flow revascularization in microsurgery combined with endoscopic endonasal surgery for skull base tumors with intracranial and extracranial involvement

Background

The objective of the study is to investigate the surgical methods and clinical effects of high-flow revascularization in microsurgery combined with endoscopic endonasal surgery for skull base tumors with intracranial and extracranial involvement.

Methods

The relationships between skull base tumors and internal carotid artery (ICA), tumor location and size, and the extent of tumor invasion were assessed. Preoperative CT perfusion (CTP), magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) (MR-PWI), and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) were performed to evaluate collateral circulation and brain tissue perfusion. Then craniotomy through the fronto-orbitozygomatic approach was performed, based on which four cases received extended middle skull base approach+Dolenc approach + Fukushima bypass type I, and six cases received extended middle skull base approach+Fukushima bypass type III. After surgery, DSA, CT angiogram (CTA), and CTP/PWI were performed to evaluate the patency of the reconstructed vessels and cerebral perfusion, and contrast-enhanced MRI to evaluate the degree of tumor resection. All patients were followed up for 6-12 months.

Results

Among the 10 cases investigated, gross total resection was achieved in 8 cases, subtotal resection in 1 case, and partial resection in 1 case, as confirmed by CT and enhanced MRI. The patency of revascularization vessels was observed using fluorescein angiography during the operation in all patients and via DSA and CTA postoperatively in nine patients. One patient underwent ventilator-assisted ventilation because of respiratory failure and failed to undergo DSA and CTA. Regarding postoperative complications, one patient developed watershed cerebral infarction on the operated side but no sequelae after drug treatment, three patients developed facial numbness, which improved after 3 months, and two patients experienced worsened diplopia. After 6 to 12 months of follow-up on the nine evaluable patients, the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) was 4-5 after surgery. In addition, 6-month follow-up results showed that one patient with clival chondrosarcoma developed recurrence on contrast-enhanced MRI, while no relapse was observed in the other patients.

Conclusion

For skull base tumors with intracranial and extracranial invasion and involving the ICA, revascularization might improve the total resection rate and reduce the recurrence rate and risk of intraoperative bleeding and postoperative ischemia.

Carotid bypass surgery for a persistent neck tumor after multiple treatments: a case report

Carotid artery involvement in head and neck cancer is challenging for surgeons and oncologists, particularly in recurrence or residual disease following multiple treatments. However, carotid artery resection and reconstruction can be safely performed in a carefully selected patient with local and regional control benefits despite the potential morbidity and high-risk complications. We presented a case of primary laryngeal cancer treated with chemoradiotherapy, modified radical neck dissection type I for residual neck node disease, and further chemotherapy. Although the primary laryngeal cancer showed a complete response, the residual neck tumor was still unresolved and even involved the carotid artery. Therefore, carotid resection with a combined saphenous vein graft and free flap reconstruction was the treatment of choice for this patient. It is effective and safe, and the risk of morbidity has been accepted.

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 27.2 months, 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.

When Everything Revolves Around Internal Carotid Artery: Analysis of Different Management Strategies in Patients With Very Advanced Cancer Involving the Skull Base

Internal or common carotid artery encasement (CAE) is observed in almost 2-7% of head and neck cancers (HNC) and designates the tumor with the T4b category. This clinical scenario is associated with a dismal prognosis, owing to the risk for thrombosis and bleeding that usually characterizes such an advanced cancer. Standardized radiological criteria to infer invasion of the carotid artery are lacking. Complete surgical resection in the context of a multimodality treatment is supposed to offer the greatest chances of cure. Surgery can either be carotid-sparing or include carotidectomy. Data on probability of cerebrovascular and non-cerebrovascular complications, risk of carotid blowout, poor oncologic outcomes, and less-than-certain efficacy of diagnostic and interventional preventive procedures against cerebral infarction make it difficult to define surgery as the recommended option among other therapeutic strategies. Non-surgical therapies based on radiation therapy possibly combined with chemotherapy are more frequently employed in HNC with CAE. In this context, carotid blowout is the most feared complication, and its probability increases with tumor stage and cumulative radiation dose received by the vessel. The use of highly conformal radiotherapies such as intensity-modulated particle therapy might substantially improve the manageability of HNC with CAE by possibly reducing the risk of late sequalae. Despite evidence is frail, it appears logical that a case-by-case evaluation through multidisciplinary decision making between head and neck surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, diagnostic and interventional radiologists, and vascular surgeons are of paramount value to offer the best therapeutic solution to patients affected by HNC with CAE.

The surgical management of intraoperative intracranial internal carotid artery injury in open skull base surgery-a systematic review

Intraoperative internal carotid artery (ICA) injury during open skull base surgery is a catastrophic complication. Multiple techniques and management strategies have been reported for endoscopic skull base surgery; however, the literature on managing this complication in open skull base surgery is limited. To perform a systematic review and give an overview of the different techniques described to manage this complication intraoperatively, a systematic review was conducted in PubMed, Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase and Scopus for literature published until July 2021. Titles and abstracts were screened. Studies meeting prespecified inclusion criteria were reviewed in full. PRISMA guidelines were strictly adhered to. Out of 4492 articles, only 12 articles could be included, reflecting an underreporting of open skull base ICA injuries. Multiple techniques can be used depending on the location and size of the injury as well as the surgeon's experience. Described techniques include the following: a primary repair via a micro-suture or nonpenetrating clips; wrapping or plugging; coating; occlusion of the parent artery with or without a bypass; packing with further endovascular management. A treatment algorithm is proposed.

Innovative application of internal carotid artery embolization in salvage endoscopic nasopharyngectomy for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A case-matched comparison

BACKGROUND

The efficacy and safety of internal carotid artery (ICA) embolization as a treatment strategy in recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (rNPC) patients with tumors invading the ICA remain unclear.

METHODS

We enrolled all rNPC patients with tumors invading the ICA, who underwent salvage endoscopic surgery. Using propensity scores to adjust for specific potential prognostic factors, a well-balanced cohort of 42 patients with limited rNPC was formed by matching each patient who underwent ICA embolization (study group) with one who did not (control group). The survival rates and common treatment-related complications were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

The cohort included patients with the following tumor stages: rT2 (n = 3), rT3 (n = 24), and rT4 (n = 15). During a median follow-up of 15 (range, 2-63) months, the 2-year overall survival and progression-free survival rates were significantly higher in the ICA embolization group than in the ICA nonembolization group (90.5% vs 53.3% and 71.3% vs 33.0%, respectively; and p = 0.022 and p = 0.006, respectively). In addition, the incidence of treatment-related complications, such as nasal obstruction, nasopharyngeal hemorrhage, and nasopharyngeal necrosis, was significantly lower in the ICA embolization group than in the nonembolization group (p = 0.001, p = 0.014, and p = 0.038, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The innovative application of ICA embolization in endoscopic surgery in patients with rNPC invading the ICA significantly improved patient survival and reduced the risk of treatment-related complications. Therefore, this may be a safe and effective method with the potential to improve outcomes in rNPC patients.

"Extra-cranial proximal pica aneurysm - a rare and surreptious cause of posterior fossa sah: case report and review of literature"

BACKGROUND

Extra-cranial posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms are rare with only 22 cases been reported so far. Intra-dural type of extra-cranial PICA aneurysm is even rarer with few case reports available. We report a previously unreported type of proximal PICA aneurysm in which the PICA aneurysm had intra-dural location at the C2 vertebral level.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 51 year old gentleman presented with sub-arachnoid haemorrhage and intra-ventricular haemorrhage, predominantly involving the fourth ventricle and had no focal neurological deficit. CT angiogram was negative however a dedicated four vessel angiogram demonstrated an abnormal extracranial origin of right PICA at C1-C2 level, with associated aneurysm in its proximal segment. A C1 posterior arch excision with partial C2 laminectomy and clipping of the aneurysm was done.

CONCLUSION

Aneurysm associated with extracranial intra-dural PICA origin is a rare cause of SAH, and may not be detected with CT angiography. Such cases often require dedicated four vessel angiography, with careful study for any possibility of extra-cranial aneurysm. This variant has important surgical implication and requires preservation of the Lateral spinal artery (LSA-PICA communication), and that such aneurysm approached only with posterior cervical exposure without the need of a craniotomy. Such cases remind us the need to have an in-depth understanding of the variations of the posterior circulation.

Trends in Literature on Cerebral Bypass Surgery: A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

Ever since the beginning of cerebral bypass surgery, the role of the bypass has been debated and indications have changed over the last 5 decades. This systematic literature research analysed all clinical studies on cerebral bypass that have been published from January 1959 to January 2020 for their year of publication, country of origin, citation index, role of and indication for bypass, bypass technique, revascularized territory, flow capacity, and title (for word cloud analysis per decade).

METHODS

A systematic literature research was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases. All studies that have been published until January 1, 2020, were included.

RESULTS

Of 6,013 identified studies, 2,585 were included in the analysis. Of these, n = 1,734 (67%) studies addressed flow-augmentation bypass and n = 701 (27%) addressed flow-preservation bypass. The most common indication reported for flow augmentation is moyamoya (n = 877, 51%), followed by atherosclerotic steno-occlusive disease (n = 753, 43%). For flow preservation, the most common indication is studies reporting on cerebral aneurysm surgery (n = 659, 94%). The increasing popularity of reporting on these bypass operations almost came to an end with the FDA approval of flow diverters for aneurysm treatment in 2011. Japan is the country with the most bypass studies (cumulatively published 933 articles), followed by the USA (630 articles) and China (232 articles).

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

Clinical studies on cerebral bypass surgery have become increasingly popular in the past decades. Since the introduction of moyamoya as a distinct pathologic entity, Asian countries in particular have a very active community regarding this disease, with an increasing number of articles published every year. Studies on bypass for chronic steno-occlusive disease peaked in the 1980s but have remained the main focus of bypass research, particularly in many European departments. The number of reports published on these bypass operations significantly decreased after the FDA approval of flow diverters for aneurysm treatment in 2011.

Balloon Test Occlusion of Internal Carotid Artery in Recurrent Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Before Endoscopic Nasopharyngectomy: A Single Center Experience

Objectives

Endoscopic nasopharyngectomy (ENPG) is a promising way in treating recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (rNPC), but sometimes may require therapeutic internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion beforehand. Balloon test occlusion (BTO) is performed to evaluate cerebral ischemic tolerance for ICA sacrifice. However, absence of neurological deficits during BTO does not preclude occur of delayed cerebral ischemia after permanent ICA occlusion. In this study, we evaluate the utility of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO₂) monitoring during ICA BTO to quantify cerebral ischemic tolerance and to identify the valid cut-off values for safe carotid artery occlusion. This study also aims to find out angiographic findings of cerebral collateral circulation to predict ICA BTO results simultaneously.

Material and Methods

87 BTO of ICA were performed from November 2018 to November 2020 at authors’ institution. 79 angiographies of collateral flow were performed in time during BTO and classified into several Subgroups and Types according to their anatomic and collateral flow configurations. 62 of 87 cases accepted monitoring of cerebral rSO₂. Categorical variables were compared by using Fisher exact tests and Mann–Whitney U tests. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the most suitable cut-off value.

Results

The most suitable cut-off △rSO₂ value for detecting BTO-positive group obtained through ROC curve analysis was 5% (sensitivity: 100%, specificity: 86%). NIRS rSO₂ monitoring wasn’t able to detect BTO false‐negative results (p = 0.310). The anterior Circle was functionally much more important than the posterior Circle among the primary collateral pathways. The presence of secondary collateral pathways was considered as a sign of deteriorated cerebral hemodynamic condition during ICA BTO. In Types 5 and 6, reverse blood flow to the ICA during BTO protected patients from delayed cerebral ischemia after therapeutic ICA occlusion (p = 0.0357). In Subgroup IV, absence of the posterior Circle was significantly associated with BTO-positive results (p = 0.0426).

Conclusion

Angiography of cerebral collateral circulation during ICA BTO is significantly correlated with ICA BTO results. Angiographic ICA BTO can be performed in conjunction with NIRS cerebral oximeter for its advantage of being noninvasive, real-time, cost-effective, simple for operation and most importantly for its correct prediction of most rSO₂ outcomes of ICA sacrifice. However, in order to ensure a safe carotid artery occlusion, more quantitative adjunctive blood flow measurements are recommended when angiography of cerebral collateral circulation doesn’t fully support rSO₂ outcome among clinically ICA BTO-negative cases.

Extracranial vertebral artery to middle cerebral artery bypass in therapeutic internal carotid artery occlusion for epipharyngeal carcinoma: A technical case report

Background:

Vertebral artery (VA) to middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass is a rarely selected technique because a complex expanded dissection is required, and often, a better donor artery than VA exists. A good indication for VA-MCA bypass is the treatment of head-and-neck malignancies with the sacrifice of the internal carotid artery (ICA) or for carotid artery rupture.

Methods:

A 23-year-old man with epipharyngeal carcinoma, treated by ligating the carotid artery with a VAMCA bypass before chemoradiotherapy, was reported. Radiographic findings showed that the bone of the carotid canal was dissolved, and the right ICA was engulfed by the tumor. As epipharyngeal carcinoma is hypersensitive to radiation, in cases where the tumor rapidly disappears, ICA may dangle in the pharynx and rupture may occur. In addition, to irradiate sufficiently, the ICA may become an obstacle. Hence, we decided to perform carotid ligation with a VA-MCA bypass before radiation and chemotherapy for the primary lesion. We selected the V3 portion of the VA as the donor on the ipsilateral side, as it can supply high-flow cerebral blood flow, which is not influenced by carcinoma and less influenced by irradiation for the epipharynx.

Results:

The VA-MCA bypass was completed without complications followed by endovascular occlusion of the ICA. Induction chemotherapy was initiated for the patient 2 weeks after surgery. The patient achieved a complete response following chemoradiotherapy.

Conclusion:

ICA ligation with VA-MCA high-flow bypass earlier than chemoradiotherapy is useful for epipharyngeal carcinoma as it prevents carotid artery rupture and allows radical intervention.

Extracranial-intracranial bypass approach to cerebral revascularization: a historical perspective

While the majority of cerebral revascularization advancements were made in the last century, it is worth noting the humble beginnings of vascular surgery throughout history to appreciate its progression and application to neurovascular pathology in the modern era. Nearly 5000 years of basic human inquiry into the vasculature and its role in neurological disease has resulted in the complex neurosurgical procedures used today to save and improve lives. This paper explores the story of the extracranial-intracranial approach to cerebral revascularization.

EC-IC bypass for cerebral revascularization following skull base tumor resection: Current practices and innovations

Complex skull base tumors can involve critical vessels of the head and neck. To achieve a gross total resection, vessel sacrifice may be necessary. In cases where vessel sacrifice will cause symptomatic cerebral ischemia, surgical revascularization is required. The purpose of this paper is to review cerebral revascularization for skull base tumors, the indications for these procedures, outcomes, advances, and future directions.

Maxillary Artery to Middle Cerebral Artery Bypass: A Novel Technique for Exposure of the Maxillary Artery

OBJECTIVE

To define the maxillary artery (MaxA) anatomy and present a novel technique for exposing and preparing this vessel as a bypass donor.

METHODS

Cadaveric and radiologic studies were used to define the MaxA anatomy and show a novel method for harvesting and preparing it for extracranial to intracranial bypass.

RESULTS

The MaxA runs parallel to the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery and is located on average 24.8 ± 3.8 mm inferior to the midpoint of the zygomatic arch. The pterygoid segment of the MaxA is most appropriate for bypass with a maximal diameter of 2.5 ± 0.4 mm. The pterygoid segment can be divided into a main trunk and terminal part based on anatomic features and use in the bypass procedure. The main trunk of the pterygoid segment can be reached extracranially, either by following the deep temporal arteries downward toward their origin from the MaxA or by following the sphenoid groove downward to the terminal part of the pterygoid segment, which can be followed proximally to expose the entire MaxA. In comparison, the prebifurcation diameter of the superficial temporal artery is 1.9 ± 0.5 mm. The average lengths of the mandibular and pterygoid MaxA segments are 6.3 ± 2.4 and 6.7 ± 3.3 mm, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The MaxA can be exposed without zygomatic osteotomies or resection of the middle fossa floor. Anatomic landmarks for exposing the MaxA include the anterior and posterior deep temporal arteries and the pterygomaxillary fissure.

Surgical management of skull base tumors

AIM

To present a review of the contemporary surgical management of skull base tumors.

BACKGROUND

Over the last two decades, the treatment of skull base tumors has evolved from observation, to partial resection combined with other therapy modalities, to gross total resection and no adjuvant treatment with good surgical results and excellent clinical outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The literature review of current surgical strategies and management of skull base tumors was performed and complemented with the experience of Barrow Neurological Institute.

RESULTS

Skull base tumors include meningiomas, pituitary tumors, sellar/parasellar tumors, vestibular and trigeminal schwannomas, esthesioneuroblastomas, chordomas, chondrosarcomas, and metastases. Surgical approaches include the modified orbitozygomatic, pterional, middle fossa, retrosigmoid, far lateral craniotomy, midline suboccipital craniotomy, and a combination of these approaches. The selection of an appropriate surgical approach depends on the characteristics of the patient and the tumor, as well as the experience of the neurosurgeon.

CONCLUSION

Modern microsurgical techniques, diagnostic imaging, intraoperative neuronavigation, and endoscopic technology have remarkably changed the concept of skull base surgery. These refinements have extended the boundaries of tumor resection with minimal morbidity.

Malignant fungal infection of the cavernous sinus: case report

Intracranial spread of fungal infection is a life-threatening condition that usually affects immunocompromised patients. Here the authors present a case of biopsy-proven Aspergillus fumigatus infection of the paranasal sinuses in an immunocompetent patient with documented spread to the orbit, cavernous sinus, and petrous apex despite medical antifungal treatment. As a life-saving treatment, cavernous sinus resection with external carotid artery-middle cerebral artery bypass was performed. The authors discuss the literature regarding the intracranial spread of paranasal sinus fungal infections in immunocompetent patients and management strategies.