Multidisciplinary Approach To A Complex Glomus Jugulare Tumour

Case Report And Review Of Literature

Abstract

Background: A 49-year-old female presented with a 6-month history of progressive right-sided hearing loss and pulsatile tinnitus. Additional symptoms included dysphagia and hoarseness. Physical examination revealed deficits in cranial nerves IX, X, and XI, in keeping with Vernet syndrome. Pure Tone Audiometry confirmed sensorineural hearing loss, while imaging studies (CT and MRI) identified a hypervascular mass in the right jugular foramen with bony erosion, consistent with a glomus jugulare tumour (paraganglioma). Angiography further delineated the tumour's vascular supply. Objective: To highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in diagnosing and managing glomus jugulare tumours to optimise patient outcomes. Methods: Preoperative Embolisation: Performed to reduce the tumour's vascularity, minimising intraoperative blood loss. Surgical Resection: The primary treatment involved surgical removal of the tumour. Radiotherapy; Considered for cases where complete surgical resection was not feasible or for residual tumour control. Multidisciplinary Team: involvement of neurosurgeons, head and neck surgeons, neurotologists, and radiologists. Results: The multidisciplinary approach facilitated comprehensive care, optimising patient outcomes through effective management of the tumour's vascularity and surgical challenges. Conclusion: This case underscores the critical role of a multidisciplinary approach in the management of glomus jugulare tumours, emphasising the need for coordinated care among various specialists to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Continuous monitoring and follow-up are essential for managing complications and detecting recurrences.