Death following external carotid artery embolization for a functioning glomus jugulare chemodectoma. Case report

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Vascular Surgery
• Oncology

Background:

• Glomus jugulare tumors (chemodectomas) can cause significant cranial nerve deficits and severe hypertension due to catecholamine secretion.
• Management of these tumors is complex, often involving surgical resection or embolization.

Observation:

• A 24-year-old male presented with left cranial nerve palsies (VI-XII) and severe, fluctuating hypertension.
• A large, vascular, catecholamine-producing glomus jugulare chemodectoma was diagnosed.

Findings:

• Following electrolyte correction, embolization of the left external carotid artery with Gelfoam was performed.
• Initial blood pressure stabilization was followed by acute hypotension, coma, and death within 24 hours.
• Autopsy revealed tumor infarction, swelling, cerebellar tonsillar herniation, and medullary compression.

Implications:

• This case highlights an unusual and fatal complication of glomus tumor embolization.
• It underscores the critical need to consider decompressive surgery and prompt vasopressor resuscitation in managing such cases.