Preoperative Spinal Angiography for Thoracic Neuroblastoma: Impact of Identification of the Adamkiewicz Artery on Gross Total Resection and Neurological Sequelae

Abstract

Background: Patients with thoracic neuroblastoma (TNB) are at high risk of postoperative neurologic complications due to iatrogenic lesions of the artery of Adamkiewicz (AKA). The role of performing a preoperative spinal angiography (POSA) in these patients must be clarified. The present study sought to further understand the relationship between POSA and TNB, as well as the effects of identifying the AKA on surgical excision and neurological consequences. Methods: Data from patients with TNB who underwent POSA between November 2015 and February 2022 at our tertiary pediatric center were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Six patients were identified, five of whom (83%) were considered eligible for surgical excision. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in three patients (60%), which included two patients with an AKA contralateral to the tumor, and one with an homolateral AKAl. After a median follow-up of 4.1 years from diagnosis, no patients developed neurological complications; five (83%) were alive and well, and one died from refractory recurrence. Conclusions: Among patients with TNB, POSA was useful for identifying the AKA and defining the optimal surgical strategy. POSA should be considered in the preoperative evaluation of TNB to increase the likelihood of GTR and reduce the threats of iatrogenic neurologic sequelae.