CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · J Neurol Surg Rep 2022; 83(03): e110-e118
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1754320
Case Report

Operative Technique: Angiomatoid Fibrous Histiocytoma—Unique Case and Management

David J. Mazur-Hart
1   Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
,
Brannan E. O'Neill
1   Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
,
Brandi W. Pang
1   Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
,
Melanie H. Hakar
2   Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
,
Matthew D. Wood
2   Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
,
Sachin Gupta
3   Division of Otology/Neurotology/Skull Base Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
,
Christina M. Sayama
1   Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
,
Jesse J. Liu
1   Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
,
Aclan Dogan
1   Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
› Author Affiliations
 

Abstract

Objective We describe the first jugular foramen angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (AFH) case and the first treatment with preoperative endovascular embolization. AFH is a rare intracranial neoplasm, primarily found in pediatric patient extremities. With an increase in AFH awareness and a well-described genetic profile, intracranial prevalence has also subsequently increased.

Study Design We compare this case to previously reported cases using PubMed/Medline literature search, which was performed using the algorithm [“intracranial” AND “angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma”] through December 2020 (23 manuscripts with 46 unique cases).

Patient An 8-year-old female presented with failure to thrive and right-sided hearing loss. Work-up revealed an absence of right-sided serviceable hearing and a large jugular foramen mass. Angiogram revealed primary arterial supply from the posterior branch of the ascending pharyngeal artery, which was preoperatively embolized.

Intervention Gross total resection was performed via a translabyrinthine approach.

Conclusion The case presented is unique; the first reported AFH at the jugular foramen and the first reported case utilizing preoperative embolization. Preoperative embolization is a relatively safe technique that can improve the surgeon's ability to perform a maximally safe resection, which may decrease the need for adjuvant radiation in rare skull base tumors in young patients.


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Introduction

Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (AFH) is a rare neoplasm. It primarily occurs in the soft tissues of extremities.[1] AFH can rarely occur as a primary lesion in the intracranial space.[2] The neoplasm predominantly affects adolescents and young adults with an average age of 14 years at diagnosis.[3] Considered a benign neoplasm with low metastatic potential, AFH does exhibit a high recurrence rate[4] and a high rate of associated hemorrhage.[4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] Treatment is principally through surgical resection. It is thought that there is a spectrum of soft tissue tumors involving the female-expressed transcript-cAMP-response element-binding (FET-CREB) protein fusion that includes AFH.[3] The naming convention will change in the next World Health Organization classification system to intracranial mesenchymal tumor, FET-CREB fusion positive.[10] There are rare case reports and case series describing the intracranial occurrence of AFH.[2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24]

Intracranial AFH is most commonly associated with the meninges, usually located along the cerebral convexities or in the intraventricular space.[3] Similar to most intracranial masses, AFHs present with local mass effect or obstructive hydrocephalus.[3] Due to their rarity, they are often not considered in the differential diagnosis of extra-axial lesions in young patient populations. The differential diagnosis often includes more common tumors with a similar appearance, including meningioma and solitary fibrous tumor.

In this case, we present the first reported AFH located at the jugular foramen with a unique treatment plan involving preoperative transarterial embolization for devascularization to aid in tumor resection. We also provide a literature review to compare reported cases in the literature in an effort to better elucidate optimal treatment strategies.


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Materials and Methods

Clinical Presentation

An 8-year-old female, with a past medical history of asthma, mild developmental delay, pseudostrabismus, and rare headaches, presented to our emergency department (ED) after approximately 2 weeks of worsening nausea and vomiting with poor oral intake. Two days prior to the presentation, the child had complained about a tingling sensation in her right eye. She was initially taken to an outside hospital's ED, where a brain magnetic resonance image (MRI) revealed an extra-axial right posterior fossa mass abutting the petrous temporal bone. The patient was transferred to our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU; [Fig. 1]).

Zoom Image
Fig. 1 Preoperative MRI showing a right jugular foramen heterogenous mass with solid and cystic components that appear hypervascular. (A) Axial T2. (B) Axial balanced fast field echo. (C) Coronal T1 with contrast. (D) Sagittal T1 with contrast.

Upon examination, she had end gaze nystagmus in all directions, right upper and lower facial weakness (complete eye closure with significant effort and nasolabial flattening), and decreased right-sided hearing. She was started on dexamethasone. Skull base computed tomography (CT) was obtained with no obvious evidence of skull involvement or widening of skull base foramen ([Fig. 2]). An audiogram was obtained with profound right-sided hearing loss ([Fig. 3]). She underwent a diagnostic cerebral angiogram, which demonstrated major arterial supply from the right ascending pharyngeal artery (APA) ([Fig. 4]). Her exam improved to mild right facial weakness at rest with symmetry upon activation. This improvement was attributable to steroid intake. She was transferred to the ward while awaiting a surgical date. The day prior to surgery, she underwent an ophthalmological examination with normal findings. Standard of care surgical consent was obtained. Institutional Review Board approval was not required for single cases. An institutional authorization to use and disclose protected health information was obtained.

Zoom Image
Fig. 2 Preoperative CT temporal bone protocol. No evidence of bone remodeling or osseous involvement.
Zoom Image
Fig. 3 Preoperative audiometry showing no serviceable hearing on the affected side.
Zoom Image
Fig. 4 Preoperative digital subtraction angiography. (A) Injection of the right common carotid artery during the arterial phase showing tumor blush from the posterior branch of the ascending pharyngeal artery. (B) Microcatheter injection of the ascending pharyngeal artery in the arterial phase.

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Operative Technique

On the day prior to surgery, she underwent an angiogram for particle and coil embolization of the right APA ([Fig. 5]). A 4 French Pinnacle Introducer Sheath (Terumo, Somerset, NJ, United States) was placed in the right femoral artery. A 4 French Tegtmeyer catheter was navigated over a 0.035” Glidewire (Terumo, Somerset, NJ, United States) into the common carotid artery. Using roadmap imaging, the right APA was selectively catheterized. Next, a 1018 Excelsior microcatheter (Stryker, Fremont, CA, United States) was navigated over a Fathom microwire (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, United States) to superselectively catheterize the distal posterior branch of the APA. Embolization was performed using 355 to 500-micron polyvinyl alcohol particles (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN, United States) followed by a 2 mm × 5 mm figure-eight coil (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, United States). The microcatheter was removed under gentle aspiration. A final angiographic run revealed embolization of the feeding artery and a significant reduction of flow to the lesion.

Zoom Image
Fig. 5 Digital subtraction angiography showing preoperative embolization of the right ascending pharyngeal artery on a lateral projection of a right common carotid injection during the arterial phase. Embolization products are noted with no residual tumor blush.

The next day, she went for surgical resection ([Video 1]). She underwent a right translabyrinthine approach for the resection of mass with an abdominal fat graft for closure. The patient was monitored with somatosensory evoked potentials, motor-evoked potentials, facial nerve electromyography, and electroencephalography. A neurootologist performed the surgical approach and closure, while a neurosurgeon performed the durotomy and resection. Intraoperatively, the mass was readily identifiable. There was a clear plane between the tumor and the cerebellum. Due to neoplasm size, internal bulking was required. The tissue had portions that were soft, while other portions were firm, requiring ultrasonic aspiration with an aggressive bit (CUSA Clarify, Integra, Princeton, NJ, United States) and dissection with microscissors (Kamiyama series, Takayashi Instrument, Inc, Natick, MA, United States). Frozen specimen revealed a low-grade neoplasm with a differential diagnosis including hemangioblastoma, meningioma, and schwannoma with low suspicion for papillary endolymphatic sac tumor. The mass was dissected off the trigeminal nerve and cranial nerves VII/VIII complex and found to likely originate from the jugular foramen as it was intimately involved with the lower cranial nerves (IX/X) with primary attachments to the petrous temporal bone around the jugular foramen. A small amount of residual tumor was left due to dense adherence to the lower cranial nerves. No changes were noticed in neuromonitoring throughout the case including intact stimulation of the facial nerve. The patient went directly to MRI to obtain both a safety postprocedural scan and a postresection baseline brain scan. This MRI revealed a gross total resection with no obvious complication or radiographically residual disease ([Fig. 6]).

Zoom Image
Fig. 6 Postoperative MRI showing gross total resection through a translabyrinthine approach with fat graft. (A) Axial T1 with contrast. (B) Coronal T1 with contrast.

Video 1 Case summary and operative techniques.


Quality:

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Postoperative Management

The patient was extubated in the postanesthesia care unit and transferred to the PICU. She was noted to have some dysarthria and coughing with difficulty in swallowing postoperatively. She was evaluated by speech therapist who offered suggestions on safe swallowing techniques with a plan for regular diet and thin liquids. She was transferred to the stepdown unit on postoperative day (POD) 1. She was discharged home with her parents on POD 2. Her final histological diagnosis returned as AFH, positive for EWSR1 rearrangement by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis ([Figs. 7] and [8]). At a 2-week postoperative follow-up, her facial weakness had resolved. She underwent a full body positron emission tomography computed tomography (PET-CT) with no evidence of disease. At a 10-week follow-up, her diplopia had resolved. She was noted by her mother to cough throughout the day but had no difficulty swallowing and was on a regular diet. Brain MRI showed no progression of known residual disease. At a 5-month follow up, she remained well with no progression on surveillance brain MRI with no further coughing. At a 9-month follow up, surveillance brain MRI noted disease progression. She showed no clinical signs of worsening disease. She was referred to radiation oncology for consideration of adjuvant radiotherapy with initial plan for 55.8 Gy over 31 fractions.

Zoom Image
Fig. 7 Histological slides of this intracranial angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma. (A) The lesion demonstrates a nodular proliferation with blood-filled pseudoangiomatous spaces and abundant hemosiderin deposition. The characteristic lymphoplasmacytic cuff often seen in this entity is absent in this case (x40 magnification). (B) Syncytial growth of bland spindled to epithelioid tumor cells; cytologic atypia is minimal, and mitotic figures are inconspicuous (x200 magnification). (C) The lesional cells show focal positivity for CD99 (x200 magnification) and (D) strong, diffuse staining for desmin (x200 magnification).
Zoom Image
Fig. 8 Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of tumor specimen showing gene rearrangement of EWSR1. (86% 1 red/ 1 green/ 1 yellow [normal signal pattern = 2 yellow]). Courtesy of Susan Olson, Ph.D., Knight Diagnostic Laboratories, Portland, Oregon, United States.

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Literature Review

A systemic PubMed/Medline literature search was performed using the algorithm [“intracranial” AND “angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma”] through December 2020. We reviewed the search results for intracranial cases of histologically proven AFH. Twenty-three manuscripts were found with 46 unique cases ([Table 1]). We recorded patient age and gender, symptomatology at presentation, intracranial location, radiographic size, presence of gene fusion, treatment modalities, and longest point of known follow-up.

Table 1

PubMed/Medline literature search using the algorithm [“intracranial” AND “angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma”] through December 2020

Series

Year

Age (years)

Sex

Presentation

Location

Size

(cm)

Gene fusion

Adjuvant therapy

Follow-up

(months)

Status

Dunham et al

2008

25

M

HA, N/V, right HH

Left occipital

5.3

EWS/ATF-1

Ochalski et al

2010

35

M

HA, right facial weakness

Left mesial temporal

0.5 × 0.5

EWSR1 gene rearranged

Seven repeat surgeries for clot evacuation and/or debulking; two radiosurgeries

49

Deceased

Hansen et al

2015

17

F

HA, blurry vision, anemia, left arm hyper-reflexia

Bioccipital (extra-axial)

Repeat resection

16[a]

Alive

Alshareef et al

2016

58

F

Weight loss, right facial weakness, right hearing loss

Meckel's cave

6.1 × 4.8 × 2.9

EWSR1 rearranged

6

Alive

Kao et al

2017

15

F

Meninges

EWSR1-CREM

17

Alive

23

F

Meninges (occipital)

EWSR1-CREB1

20

M

Frontal

EWSR1-CREB1

156[b]

Alive

12

M

Seizure, tongue jittering

Left frontal

EWSR1-ATF1

Spatz et al

2018

22

F

HA, seizure, left HH

Right occipital (extra-axial)

3.1 × 3.1 × 2.6

Repeat resection

3

Alive

Bale et al

2018

12

M

HA

Left cerebellar (extra-axial)

2.5 × 2.3 × 1.0

EWSR1-CREB1

46[c]

Alive

14

F

HA, N/V, diplopia

Left lateral ventricle

3.8 × 3.6 × 3

EWSR1-CREB1

47[c]

Alive

18

M

Seizure

Right frontal

3.0 × 2.0 × 1.5

EWSR1-CREM

12

Alive

Gareton et al

2018

19

M

Seizure

Right temporo-occipital (extra-axial)

EWSR1-CREM

API/AI type chemotherapy; radiation 61.2 Gy in 34 fractions; repeat resection for recurrence

120

Alive

Sciot et al

2018

17

F

Seizure, right hemiparesis

Left frontal

5.9

ESWR1-ATF1

Repeat resection for recurrence; radiation 59.4 Gy; additional resection for recurrence

90

Alive

Gunness et al

2019

32

F

HA, neck pain, papilledema

Right lateral ventricle

Repeat resection for recurrence; shunt for recurrent cyst

24

Alive

Konstantinidis et al

2019

13

F

HA, nystagmus

Right frontal (extra-axial)

EWSR1-ATF1

Repeat resection for recurrence

132

Alive

12

F

HA, N/V, blurry vision, right pronator drift

Left frontal

EWSR1-CREM

28

Alive

Ghanbari et al

2019

58

F

Seizure, left hemiparesis

Right parietal (extra-axial)

1.6

EWSR1-CREB1

3

Alive

Aizpurua et al

2019

9

M

HA, N/V, transient vision loss, papilledema, left facial weakness, right uvula deviation

Left precentral gyrus

2.5 × 2.0 × 1.8

ESWR1-ATF1

12

Alive

White et al

2019

9

M

Fatigue, weight loss, abulia

Right frontal (extra-axial)

2.1

EWSR1-CREM

Repeat resection for recurrence; radiation 50 Gy in 26 fractions with a boost of 10 Gy to cavity

6

Alive

Bin Abdulqader et al

2020

10

M

HA, N/V, seizure, left hemiparesis, left facial weakness, left pronator drift

Bifrontal

4

EWSR1 rearranged

3

Alive

11

F

Seizure

Right frontal (extra-axial)

2.8 × 1.9

EWSR1 rearranged

5

Alive

Komatsu et al

2020

53

F

HA, dizziness

Third ventricle

ESWR1-CREB1

Radiation

3[d]

Alive

Domingo et al

2020

36

F

HA, N/V, diplopia, lower extremity weakness

Interhemispheric (extra-axial)

EWSR1-CREM

3

Alive

Ballester et al

2020

67

M

Confusion, expressive aphasia

Left temporal (extra-axial)

EWSR1-ATF1

3.5

Alive

Valente Aguiar et al

2020

58

F

HA, N/V, confusion, gait imbalance, right hemiparesis

Left lateral ventricle

EWSR1-CREB1

6

Alive

Ward et al

2020

48

F

HA

Left lateral ventricle

EWSR1-ATF1

Repeat resection for recurrence; radiation for recurrence 35 Gy in 5 fractions

16

Alive

Gilbert et al

2020

52

M

HA, N/V, imbalance, weight loss

Vermian (extra-axial)

EWSR1-CREM

12

Alive

Sloan et al

2020

12

M

Parietal

EWSR1-ATF1

Radiation 59.4 Gy

24

Alive

9

F

Frontal

EWSR1-ATF1

63

Deceased

24

F

Occipital

EWSR1-ATF1

13

F

Frontal

EWSR1-ATF1

24

Alive

34

F

Tentorium

EWSR1-ATF1

81

Alive

17

F

CPA

EWSR1-ATF1

Radiation 59.4 Gy; chemotherapy

27

Deceased

70

M

CPA with spinal dissemination

EWSR1-ATF1

1

Deceased

17

F

CPA

EWSR1-ATF1

13

Alive

14

F

Lateral ventricle

EWSR1-CREB1

59

Alive

39

F

Lateral ventricle

EWSR1-CREB1

6

Alive

10

M

Falx (parietal)

EWSR1-CREB1

57

Alive

25

F

CPA

EWSR1-CREB1

30

Alive

14

F

Parietal

EWSR1-CREB1

57

Alive

15

F

Spinal cord (thoracic)

EWSR1-CREM

Radiation

30

Alive

14

F

Lateral ventricle

EWSR1-CREM

38

Alive

5

F

Frontal

EWSR1-CREM

Chemotherapy

11

Alive

30

M

Falx (frontal)

EWSR1-CREM

Radiation 54 Gy

6

Alive

4

F

Occipital

FUS-CREM

36

Alive

Authors

2021

8

F

N/V, right facial weakness, right hearing loss

Right jugular foramen

3.2 × 2.7 × 2.6

EWSR1 rearranged

3

Alive

Abbreviations: API/AI, doxorubicin-cisplatin-ifosfamide; CPA, cerebellopontine angle; F, female; Gy, Gray; HA, headache; HH, homonymous hemianopsia; M, male; N, nausea; V, vomiting.


a updated follow up from Ballester et al.


b updated follow up from Valente Aguiar et al.


c updated follow up from Sloan et al.


d updated follow up from Bin Abdulqader et al.



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Discussion

AFH is a rare tumor that can infrequently appear intracranially. The tumor has rarely been reported in the skull base. There have been four reported cases of this tumor in the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) and an additional case at the petrous apex ([Table 1]).[3] [13] We report only the sixth case of a skull base AFH and the first at the jugular foramen. Alshareef et al described a case at the petrous apex in which the patient presented with right facial weakness, pain, and numbness.[13] The first consideration on their differential diagnosis was a trigeminal schwannoma. The tumor was approached through a pterional craniotomy with one-piece orbitozygomatic craniotomy. They were able to perform a gross total resection. The patient did develop a delayed cerebrospinal fluid leak from petrous apex air cells that was repaired. There was no evidence of recurrence on 6-month postoperative MRI.

Sloan et al reported four CPA masses in their series of 20 cases.[3] Three of the four patients with CPA masses underwent a subtotal resection, and the final was a gross total resection. The surgical approach to these tumors was not described. One of the patients with subtotal resections underwent adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy. Unfortunately, they had metastases of their disease and passed away 27 months postoperatively. The second patient with subtotal resection did not undergo adjuvant therapy with ultimate progression of their disease. They passed away 1 month postoperatively. The final patient with subtotal resection has not undergone adjuvant therapy and remains alive at 13 months postoperatively with stable disease. The gross total resection has had local recurrence without adjuvant therapy. They remain alive at 30 months postoperatively.

Our case is unique in that it is the first described AFH case at the jugular foramen. The patient presented with multiple cranial nerve abnormalities and symptoms concerning for increased intracranial pressure. Imaging was concerning for an extra-axial mass along the petrous bone concerning for meningioma, schwannoma, solitary fibrous tumor, endolymphatic sac tumor, or other rare pediatric tumor. None of these diagnoses seemed to fit based on patient demographics, patient presentation, and radiographic appearance. Intraoperatively, the mass was found to originate from the jugular foramen. Postoperatively, the patient largely recovered with expected hearing loss. Her diplopia resolved and there was no evidence of facial weakness. Her mother noted that she coughed more throughout the day, which may be a sign of lower cranial nerve dysfunction, but she has had no difficulty swallowing and has remained on a regular diet.

Based on brain MRI, the mass appeared to be dural based and hypervascular and the patient underwent a preoperative diagnostic cerebral angiogram, which identified the primary arterial supply from the APA. A prior study has shown high rates of success for embolization of the APA.[25] It was decided that the patient should undergo a preoperative embolization to aid in surgical resection. Our case is unique in that our treatment management included the preoperative use of endovascular arterial embolization followed by surgical resection.

The preoperative use of endovascular embolization assisted in the ease of surgical resection. This has been demonstrated in preoperative embolization of meningiomas. A systematic review of preoperative embolization of meningiomas found less intraoperative blood loss and less overall operative time.[26] This has also been found in preoperative embolization of other hypervascular pathologies like arteriovenous malformations, paragangliomas, and carotid body tumors.[27] [28] [29] [30] Another systematic review found that preoperative embolization has a low morbidity/mortality profile.[31] It has also been found to be safe in pediatric patients and in skull base pathologies.[32] [33] Like meningiomas, AFH is most commonly extra-axial or intraventricular with radiographic dural attachments. As the feeding vessel for this tumor was from the APA, the major arterial supply was from the external carotid artery and deep to the tissue mass. Embolization involved the external carotid instead of the internal carotid circulation, which decreases catheter time in the intracranial circulation and decreases risk of stroke. However, attention must be paid to the APA itself as there may be collaterals to the internal carotid or vertebral artery as well as supply to the vasa nervosa of the lower cranial nerves.[34] [35] The arterial feeder for this tumor was also deep and obtaining surgical devascularization would have come late in the procedure.

Similar to meningiomas, it appears that AFH outcomes are linked to extent of resection. Sloan et al reported in their case series that patients that received gross total resection had better survival and local recurrence rates, but those values did not reach statistical significance.[3] Due to their propensity for local recurrence, follow-up radiation was suggested by their group. Since these can be hemorrhagic masses with deep arterial feeders, we suggest preoperative embolization may allow for the best chance at safely achieving gross total resection.


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Conclusion

AFH is a rare tumor that mimics more commonly found intracranial neoplasms. We present a rarely reported skull base AFH and the first located at the jugular foramen. Due to the importance of gross total resection, we recommend preoperative evaluation with diagnostic cerebral angiogram to evaluate for preoperative embolization, which may improve rates of gross total resection. In the setting of gross total resection, adjuvant radiation therapy may be avoided. This is beneficial as the tumor is more common in children and young adults for which radiation carries long-term risks.


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Conflict of Interest

None declared.

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Shirley McCartney, PhD, for editorial assistance.

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  • 24 Ward B, Wang CP, Macaulay RJB, Liu JKC. Adult intracranial myxoid mesenchymal tumor with EWSR1-ATF1 gene fusion. World Neurosurg 2020; 143: 91-96
  • 25 Barros G, Feroze AH, Sen R. et al. Predictors of preoperative endovascular embolization of meningiomas: subanalysis of anatomic location and arterial supply. J Neurointerv Surg 2020; 12 (02) 204-208
  • 26 Chen L, Li DH, Lu YH, Hao B, Cao YQ. Preoperative embolization versus direct surgery of meningiomas: a meta-analysis. World Neurosurg 2019; 128: 62-68
  • 27 Purdy PD, Samson D, Batjer HH, Risser RC. Preoperative embolization of cerebral arteriovenous malformations with polyvinyl alcohol particles: experience in 51 adults. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 1990; 11 (03) 501-510
  • 28 Liu DG, Ma XC, Li BM, Zhang JG. Clinical study of preoperative angiography and embolization of hypervascular neoplasms in the oral and maxillofacial region. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2006; 101 (01) 102-109
  • 29 Catapano JS, Almefty RO, Ding D. et al. Onyx embolization of skull base paragangliomas: a single-center experience. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2020; 162 (04) 821-829
  • 30 Economopoulos KP, Tzani A, Reifsnyder T. Adjunct endovascular interventions in carotid body tumors. J Vasc Surg 2015; 61 (04) 1081-91.e2
  • 31 Ilyas A, Przybylowski C, Chen CJ. et al. Preoperative embolization of skull base meningiomas: a systematic review. J Clin Neurosci 2019; 59: 259-264
  • 32 Wang HH, Luo CB, Guo WY. et al. Preoperative embolization of hypervascular pediatric brain tumors: evaluation of technical safety and outcome. Childs Nerv Syst 2013; 29 (11) 2043-2049
  • 33 Przybylowski CJ, Baranoski JF, See AP. et al. Preoperative embolization of skull base meningiomas: outcomes in the onyx era. World Neurosurg 2018; 116: e371-e379
  • 34 Lasjaunias P, Moret J. The ascending pharyngeal artery: normal and pathological radioanatomy. Neuroradiology 1976; 11 (02) 77-82
  • 35 Hacein-Bey L, Daniels DL, Ulmer JL. et al. The ascending pharyngeal artery: branches, anastomoses, and clinical significance. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2002; 23 (07) 1246-1256

Address for correspondence

Aclan Dogan, MD
Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University
Mail Code CH8N, 3303 South Bond Avenue, Portland, OR 97239
United States   

Publication History

Received: 22 December 2021

Accepted: 11 May 2022

Article published online:
20 September 2022

© 2022. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

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  • 26 Chen L, Li DH, Lu YH, Hao B, Cao YQ. Preoperative embolization versus direct surgery of meningiomas: a meta-analysis. World Neurosurg 2019; 128: 62-68
  • 27 Purdy PD, Samson D, Batjer HH, Risser RC. Preoperative embolization of cerebral arteriovenous malformations with polyvinyl alcohol particles: experience in 51 adults. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 1990; 11 (03) 501-510
  • 28 Liu DG, Ma XC, Li BM, Zhang JG. Clinical study of preoperative angiography and embolization of hypervascular neoplasms in the oral and maxillofacial region. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2006; 101 (01) 102-109
  • 29 Catapano JS, Almefty RO, Ding D. et al. Onyx embolization of skull base paragangliomas: a single-center experience. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2020; 162 (04) 821-829
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  • 31 Ilyas A, Przybylowski C, Chen CJ. et al. Preoperative embolization of skull base meningiomas: a systematic review. J Clin Neurosci 2019; 59: 259-264
  • 32 Wang HH, Luo CB, Guo WY. et al. Preoperative embolization of hypervascular pediatric brain tumors: evaluation of technical safety and outcome. Childs Nerv Syst 2013; 29 (11) 2043-2049
  • 33 Przybylowski CJ, Baranoski JF, See AP. et al. Preoperative embolization of skull base meningiomas: outcomes in the onyx era. World Neurosurg 2018; 116: e371-e379
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Fig. 1 Preoperative MRI showing a right jugular foramen heterogenous mass with solid and cystic components that appear hypervascular. (A) Axial T2. (B) Axial balanced fast field echo. (C) Coronal T1 with contrast. (D) Sagittal T1 with contrast.
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Fig. 2 Preoperative CT temporal bone protocol. No evidence of bone remodeling or osseous involvement.
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Fig. 3 Preoperative audiometry showing no serviceable hearing on the affected side.
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Fig. 4 Preoperative digital subtraction angiography. (A) Injection of the right common carotid artery during the arterial phase showing tumor blush from the posterior branch of the ascending pharyngeal artery. (B) Microcatheter injection of the ascending pharyngeal artery in the arterial phase.
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Fig. 5 Digital subtraction angiography showing preoperative embolization of the right ascending pharyngeal artery on a lateral projection of a right common carotid injection during the arterial phase. Embolization products are noted with no residual tumor blush.
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Fig. 6 Postoperative MRI showing gross total resection through a translabyrinthine approach with fat graft. (A) Axial T1 with contrast. (B) Coronal T1 with contrast.
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Fig. 7 Histological slides of this intracranial angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma. (A) The lesion demonstrates a nodular proliferation with blood-filled pseudoangiomatous spaces and abundant hemosiderin deposition. The characteristic lymphoplasmacytic cuff often seen in this entity is absent in this case (x40 magnification). (B) Syncytial growth of bland spindled to epithelioid tumor cells; cytologic atypia is minimal, and mitotic figures are inconspicuous (x200 magnification). (C) The lesional cells show focal positivity for CD99 (x200 magnification) and (D) strong, diffuse staining for desmin (x200 magnification).
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Fig. 8 Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of tumor specimen showing gene rearrangement of EWSR1. (86% 1 red/ 1 green/ 1 yellow [normal signal pattern = 2 yellow]). Courtesy of Susan Olson, Ph.D., Knight Diagnostic Laboratories, Portland, Oregon, United States.