Protection of cranial nerves is one of the major challenges in the resection of paragangliomas of head and neck, especially in complex paragangliomas. We report a case of bilateral jugular tumor with unilateral carotid body tumor. Baroreflex failure syndrome（BFS） occurred after staged resection of bilateral lesions. There is still a lack of effective treatment for this complication. More prudent and reasonable treatment strategy is important to reduce the incidence of BFS.
摘要：颅神经保护是头颈部副神经节瘤（Paragangliomas）切除术的主要挑战之一，特别是对于同时发生在双侧的复杂副神经节瘤病例。本文报道了1例双侧颈静脉球瘤合并单侧颈动脉体瘤的病例，在分期切除双侧病灶后发生了压力反射衰竭综合征。这种并发症尚缺乏有效的治疗手段，制定谨慎而合理的治疗策略是降低其发生率的关键。.

Objective:To introduce the surgical experience of carotid body tumor（CBT） resection with preservation of internal carotid artery. Methods:The clinical data of 109 patients with CBT were retrospectively analyzed. The key points of surgical techniques were summarized, the imaging and pathological results were comprehensively analyzed, and the postoperative complications were observed. Results:Of the 109 patients, 28 were Shamblin Ⅰ, 46 were Shamblin Ⅱ, and 35 were Shamblin Ⅲ. Synaptophysin（SYN） and soluble protein-100（S-100） were positive in all cases. There was a positive correlation between the average expression area percentage of S-100 and SYN in pathological tissue of 17 patients（r=0.48）, and the difference was statistically significant（P<0.05）. The average operation time was（148.4±46.2） minutes, the average intraoperative blood loss was（64.7±22.8） mL, and the average hospital stay was（15.2±2.6） days. Three patients underwent tumor resection combined with external carotid artery ligation, 1 patient underwent tumor resection combined with internal carotid artery ligation, and the remaining patients underwent tumor resection alone. The overall rate of intraoperative vascular ligation was 3.7% and the rate of nerve injury was 6.4%. According to preoperative CTA, intraoperative situation and postoperative pathological results, a new classification of CBT was proposed, which could intuitively reflect the gap between the tumor and the carotid artery and the nature of the tumor. Conclusion:Surgical resection of CBT is recommended after diagnosis. The potential gap between the tumor and the blood vessels was found under the microscope. Low energy bipolar electrocoagulation was used to coagulate and cut off the fibrous connective tissue between the tumor and gradually separated along the adventitia of the artery. The carotid artery could be preserved in most cases while the tumor was completely removed, and the amount of intraoperative bleeding and the incidence of complications were reduced. It is particularly important to identify the difficult cases before operation.
目的：介绍保留颈内动脉切除颈动脉体瘤（carotid body tumor，CBT）的手术经验。 方法：回顾性分析109例CBT患者的临床资料，总结手术技术要点，综合分析影像学及病理结果，观察患者术后并发症。 结果：109例患者中Shamblin Ⅰ型28例，Shamblin Ⅱ型46例，Shamblin Ⅲ型35例。突触素（SYN）和可溶性蛋白-100（S-100）均呈阳性。17例患者病理组织免疫组织化学S-100与SYN平均表达面积百分比存在正相关关系（r=0.48）差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。手术平均时长为（148.4±46.2） min，术中平均出血量为（64.7±22.8） mL，住院平均时间为（15.2±2.6） d。所有患者手术方法均为显微凝切法，其中3例患者切除肿瘤合并颈外动脉结扎术，1例行肿瘤切除合并颈内动脉结扎术，其他患者均行单纯肿瘤切除术。总体术中血管结扎率为3.7%，神经损伤率为6.4%。根据术前CTA、术中情况及术后病理结果，对CBT提出新的分型，直观反映肿瘤与颈动脉的间隙以及肿瘤性质。 结论：建议确诊后手术切除CBT。显微镜下寻找肿瘤与血管之间的潜在间隙，运用低能量双极电凝凝闭并切断其间的纤维结缔组织，沿动脉外膜逐渐分离，在完整切除肿瘤同时大部分病例均可做到保留颈动脉，减少术中出血量，降低并发症发生率。术前如何识别手术困难病例尤为重要。.

Objective:To explore the gene expression characteristics of endothelial cells and fibroblasts in the microenvironment of SDHD-mutated carotid body tumors（SDHD-CBT）, to fine the functional enrichment of each subcluster, and to further explore the network of cell-cell interactions in the microenvironment of SDHD-CBT. Methods:The bioinformatics analysis was used to download and reanalyze the single-nuclear RNA sequencing data of SDHD-CBT, SDHB mutated thoracic and abdominal paraganglioma（SDHB-ATPGL）, SDHB-CBT, and normal adrenal medulla（NAM）, to clarify the information of cell populations of the samples. We focused on exploring the gene expression profiles of endothelial cells and fibroblasts subclusters, and performed functional enrichment analysis based on Gene Ontology（GO） resources. CellChat was used to compare the cell-cell interactions networks of different clinical samples and predict significant signaling pathways in SDHD-CBT. Results:A total of 7 cell populations were profiled. The main subtypes of endothelial cells in SDHD-CBT are arterial and venous endothelial cells, and the main subtypes of fibroblasts are myofibroblasts and pericytes. Compared to NAM, SDHB-CBT and SDHB-ATPGL, cell communication involving endothelial cells and fibroblasts in SDHD-CBT is more abundant, with significant enrichment in pathways such as FGF, PTN, WNT, PROS, PERIOSTIN, and TGFb. Conclusion:Endothelial cells and fibroblasts in SDHD-CBT are heterogeneous and involved in important cellular interactionprocesses, in which the discovery of FGF，PTN，WNT，PROS，PERIOSTIN and TGFb signals may play an important role in the regulation of microenvironment of SDHD-CBT.
目的：探讨SDHD突变的颈动脉体副神经节瘤（SDHD-CBT）微环境中内皮细胞和成纤维细胞的基因表达特征，精细各亚群的功能富集情况，进一步探索SDHD-CBT微环境中细胞间相互调控网络。 方法：采用生物信息学分析手段，下载并重新分析SDHD-CBT、SDHB突变的胸腹部副神经节瘤（SDHB-ATPGL）、SDHB-CBT和正常肾上腺髓质（NAM）的单细胞核RNA测序数据，明确样本的细胞群信息，重点探索内皮细胞和成纤维细胞亚群的基因表达特征，使用GO富集分析对亚群进行功能富集，并运用CellChat比较不同临床样本的细胞间相互调控网络，预测SDHD-CBT中的显著通路。 结果：共获得7个细胞群，SDHD-CBT内皮细胞主要亚群是动脉和静脉内皮细胞，成纤维细胞主要亚群是肌成纤维细胞和周细胞。相比于NAM，SDHB-CBT和SDHB-ATPGL，SDHD-CBT中内皮细胞和成纤维细胞参与的细胞通讯更加丰富，显著富集FGF、PTN、WNT、PROS、PERIOSTIN和TGFb等通路。 结论：SDHD-CBT中内皮细胞和成纤维细胞具有异质性，参与重要细胞通讯过程，其中，FGF、PTN、WNT、PROS、PERIOSTIN和TGFb通路的发现可能在SDHD-CBT微环境调控研究中起重要作用。.

BACKGROUND: Bilateral head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGLs) require nuanced management to balance tumor control with functional preservation.
METHODS: All patients seen at a single-institution for bilateral paraganglioma between 1983 and 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, genetic testing results, and tumor characteristics were analyzed and compared to treatment modality and cranial nerve outcomes.
RESULTS: There were 49 patients with 116 tumors (90 carotid body tumors [CBTs], 15 vagal paragangliomas [VPs], and 11 jugular paragangliomas [JPs]). Twenty-six patients had SDH pathologic variants (PV). Surgical management was more commonly utilized in younger patients (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.950-0.992) and for JPs (OR: 9, 95% CI: 1.386-58.443). In surgical cases, CBTs had a lower risk of postoperative cranial nerve deficits compared to JPs and VPs (OR: 0.095, 95% CI: 0.013-0.692).
CONCLUSIONS: Younger patients with bilateral HNPGLs, especially those with JP and CBT, are more often treated with surgery. CBTs have lowest risk of cranial nerve deficits after surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Preoperative embolization of paragangliomas decreases tumor volume and reduces intraoperative blood loss. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the rate of devascularization achieved by preoperative embolization of carotid body tumors on surgical outcomes.
METHODS: Patients with carotid body tumors who underwent preoperative transarterial embolization between 2013 and 2024 were included in this retrospective study. The Shamblin classification of all patients was carried out using radiological imaging. Devascularization rates obtained after the embolization of carotid body tumors were determined from angiographic images. Patients were divided into two groups: near-complete embolization (devascularization rate >90%) and incomplete embolization (devascularization rate <90%). Hemoglobin loss was calculated with blood tests before and immediately after surgery. Tumor volume loss was calculated by preoperative radiological tumor volume and postoperative surgical specimen volume. Hemoglobin loss, tumor volume loss, and postoperative complication rates of the two groups were compared.
RESULTS: A total of 31 patients with carotid body tumors who underwent surgery were included in the study. Near-complete embolization was achieved in 21 patients (67.74%), while incomplete embolization was achieved in 10 patients (32.25%). Shamblin classification was statistically similar (p>0.05) between the two groups. The vascular complication rate in the near-complete embolization group was significantly lower than in the incomplete embolization group (p=0.027). However, no significant difference was observed in neurological complication rates, hemoglobin loss, and tumor volume loss parameters between the two groups (p>0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative devascularization rate should be at least 90% to minimize the risk of vascular complications.

UNASSIGNED: This case study presents the clinical details of a 37-year-old woman who presented with an asymptomatic swelling in the right supraclavicular region, ultimately diagnosed as a carotid body tumor (CBT).
METHODS: The patient\'s medical background, which included her brother\'s CBT, prompted further investigation. Upon clinical examination and imaging studies, a tissue mass surrounding the right internal carotid artery was identified. Subsequent surgical resection of the tumor was performed, and histological analysis confirmed a neoplastic proliferation consistent with paraganglioma.
UNASSIGNED: This case highlights the significance of taking into account familial history and conducting comprehensive diagnostic assessments for patients exhibiting similar symptoms. The successful multidisciplinary management of this rare tumor underscores the importance of early detection and appropriate therapeutic interventions.
CONCLUSIONS: This report offers valuable insights into the clinical presentation, diagnostic process, and treatment of CBTs, emphasizing the necessity for a comprehensive approach to managing this uncommon neoplasm.

BACKGROUND: Carotid body tumors are uncommon neuroendocrine growths near the carotid bifurcation. While some advocate preoperative embolization to minimize bleeding, others avoid it due to complications. This study shares the experience of a single center in managing patients with carotid body tumors without practicing preoperative embolization.
METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of patients with carotid body tumors managed between 2020 and 2024. Data were collected from the hospital\'s registry. When necessary, routine blood tests, neck ultrasonography, and computed tomography scans were conducted. The tumors were categorized according to Shamblin\'s classification. The average duration of follow-up was 20 months.
RESULTS: The study involved 25 patients, 22 (88%) females and 3 (12%) males. Their ages ranged from 27 to 85 years old. Twenty (80%) cases presented with neck swelling, and six (24%) had a positive medical history. Tumors were mainly on the right side (52%), with 20 (80%) showing ill-defined neck masses. Tumor sizes ranged from 1.5 to 7 cm, with Shamblin type II tumors being discovered in the majority of cases (72%). Types of tumors were significantly associated with the tumor size (p-value < 0.05). Blood transfusion was required in five cases (20%), three from type III and two from type II, with none from type I (p-value = 0.001). Temporary neurological deficits occurred in 3 cases (12%). No functional impairment or mortality was recorded.
CONCLUSIONS: Carotid body tumors are rare tumors with an unknown etiology. Operation without practicing preoperative embolization may be feasible with an acceptable outcome.

OBJECTIVE: Carotid body tumours (CBTs) and baroreceptor failure (BRF) are two distinct but interrelated conditions, affecting the carotid body and its regulatory mechanisms. We aim to describe and quantify BRF after unilateral and bilateral CBT resections.
METHODS: Prospective cohort study. We included all patients with unilateral or bilateral CBT undergoing resection from April 2021 to January 2023. Demographics and CBTs characteristics were analysed; baroreceptor sensitivity assessment was conducted using the Composite Autonomic Severity Score (CASS). Statistical analyses were performed using R. Significance level was set at a 2-tailed α = 0.05.
RESULTS: A total of 30 patients with CBT underwent surgical resection, twenty-three were included in the study (18 unilateral and 5 bilateral CBTs). All 23 (100 %) were females, median age of 60 years. Regarding patients with unilateral CBT; preoperatively, 13 had BRF, the most common dysfunction subtype was mixed. Postoperatively, the most common dysfunction subtype was sympathetic failure. With regards to bilateral CBTs; 2 patients did not have autonomic dysfunction preoperatively. After bilateral surgical resection one patient remained without autonomic dysfunction; however, all other patients persisted with BRF.
CONCLUSIONS: BRF was present in 13 patients with unilateral CBT and 3 patients with bilateral tumours preoperatively; most will remain with BRF and will only change the characteristics postoperatively. No associations were found between type, severity of BRF and Shamblin classification or laterality. It is paramount that research in this area continues as many features are yet unknown regarding CBT pathogenesis, hence, BRF may be present yet not affect significantly quality of life.

BACKGROUND: The value of color doppler ultrasound (CDU) for perioperative evaluation and follow-up outcomes of carotid body tumor (CBT) remains elusive. This study aimed to investigate the role of CDU in CBT in our center.
METHODS: From January 2015 to December 2020, 75, patients with CBT were included in the study. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) and CDU data of patients were collected and analyzed. The postoperative recovery and follow-up outcomes were summarized.
RESULTS: A total of 91 CBTs in 75 patients were included in the study. 73.3% of the patients had unilateral lesions, while 26.7% had bilateral lesions. Lesions were categorized as Shamblin I (4.4%), Shamblin II (52.7%), and Shamblin III (42.9%). 79.5% lesions were treated by surgical resection, 12.3% were treated by surgical resection with internal carotid artery reconstructed by artificial vessel, while 8.2% were treated by surgical resection with internal carotid artery reconstructed by autogenous great saphenous vein. Compared with CTA, the sensitivity of CDU for the detection of CBT was 96.7%, the sensitivity and specificity of CDU for the detection of Shamblin I lesions were both 100%, the sensitivity and specificity for Shamblin II were 100% and 72.1%, respectively, while the sensitivity and specificity for Shamblin III were 69.2% and 100%, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between CTA and CDU for the detection of the maximal diameter, volume of CBT, distance between the end of the tumor, and the mastoid process. 79.7% of the patients were followed up with CDU. The eecurrence of CBT occurred in 1 patient. CDU showed that stenosis and occlusion of artificial vessel occurred in 1 and 6 patients, respectively. The occlusion of autogenous great saphenous vein was found in 2 cases.
CONCLUSIONS: CDU can accurately diagnose Shamblin I CBT, have high sensitivity for Shamblin II, and high specificity for Shamblin III CBT. It plays an important role in diagnosis, perioperative evaluation, and follow-up analysis of CBT.

Carotid space lesions present diagnostic challenges due to their diverse etiology and varied clinical manifestations. This article critically reviews the anatomy of the carotid space and highlights the spectrum of pathologies within this complex region, illustrated by three case studies. The cases were examined with ultrasonography (USG), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Schwannomas appeared heterogeneously hypodense on plain CT and partially hyperdense on contrast-enhanced CT (CECT), with displacement of adjacent vessels. Vagal-origin schwannomas caused the anteromedial displacement of the internal carotid artery. Paragangliomas were typically homogeneously hyperdense on CECT, with lateral displacement of the internal carotid artery when of carotid body origin. The management of carotid space lesions depends on the resectability of the tumors; unresectable tumors are managed with chemotherapy. This overview enhances clinical understanding and diagnostic accuracy, facilitating improved patient outcomes in managing carotid space lesions.