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Preoperative Embolization of Primary Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma: Is Embolization of Internal Carotid Artery Branches Necessary?

  • Clinical Investigation
  • Embolisation (arterial)
  • Published:
CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

To determine the effects of blood supply from internal carotid artery (ICA) on the surgical outcomes of primary juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) after transarterial embolization (TAE).

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on primary JNA patients who underwent TAE and endoscopic resection in our hospital between December 2020 and June 2022. The angiography images of these patients were reviewed, and then they were divided into ICA + external carotid artery (ECA) feeding group and ECA feeding group according to whether the ICA branches were part of the feeding arteries. Tumors in ICA + ECA feeding group were fed by both ICA and ECA branches, while tumors in ECA feeding group were fed by ECA branches alone. All patients underwent tumor resection immediately after ECA feeding branches embolization. None of the patients underwent ICA feeding branches embolization. Data on demographics, tumor characteristics, blood loss, adverse events, residual and recurrence were collected, and case–control analysis was performed for the two groups. Differences in characteristics between the groups were tested using Fisher’s exact and Wilcoxon tests.

Results

Eighteen patients were included in this study: nine in ICA + ECA feeding group and nine in ECA feeding group. The median blood loss was 700 mL (IQR 550–1000 mL) in ICA + ECA feeding group versus 300 mL (IQR 200–1000 mL) in ECA feeding group, with no significant statistical difference (P = 0.306). Residual tumor was found in one patient (11.1%) in both groups. Recurrence was not observed in any patient. There were no adverse events from embolization and resection in either group.

Conclusion

The results of this small series suggest that the presence of blood supply from ICA branches in primary JNA has no significant effect on intraoperative blood loss, adverse event, residual and postoperative recurrence. Therefore, we do not recommend routine preoperative embolization of ICA branches.

Level of Evidence

Level 4, Case–control.

Graphical Abstract

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Funding

This study was not supported by any funding.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China

    Qiang Liu, Zhipeng Xia, Rujian Hong, Yucheng Pan & Yan Sha

  2. Department of Otolaryngology, Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China

    Kai Xue, Quan Liu, Xicai Sun, Houyong Li, Hongmeng Yu & Dehui Wang

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  1. Qiang Liu
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  2. Zhipeng Xia
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Correspondence to Dehui Wang.

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Liu, Q., Xia, Z., Hong, R. et al. Preoperative Embolization of Primary Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma: Is Embolization of Internal Carotid Artery Branches Necessary?. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 46, 1038–1045 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-023-03483-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-023-03483-1

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