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Polytetrafluoroethylene granuloma‐associated facial palsy following microvascular decompression
Author(s) -
Derakhshan Adeeb,
Greene Jacqueline J.,
Gadkaree Shekhar K.,
Chen Jenny X.,
Jowett Nate,
Hadlock Tessa A.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1002/lary.28257
Subject(s) - medicine , palsy , facial weakness , weakness , facial nerve , surgery , facial paralysis , microvascular decompression , hemifacial spasm , granuloma , eyelid , facial muscles , fascia , corneal reflex , anesthesia , anatomy , reflex , pathology , alternative medicine , trigeminal neuralgia
Objective Microvascular decompression (MVD) may be employed in the management of hemifacial spasm (HFS), wherein a pledget of polytetrafluoroethylene (i.e., Teflon, Chemours, Wilmington DE) is sometimes introduced to separate an offending vessel from the cisternal segment of facial nerve. Rarely, Teflon may cause a granulomatous reaction resulting in nerve palsy. We here present the first case series of facial palsy thought to be secondary to Teflon granuloma following MVD for HFS. Methods A data repository of 1,312 patients with facial palsy was reviewed to identify individuals who had previously undergone MVD for HFS. Data collected include age at time of MVD, age at onset of facial weakness and at presentation, House‐Brackmann scores, clinician‐graded facial function using the Electronic Facial Paralysis Assessment scale, imaging findings, and therapeutic interventions and outcomes. Results Six patients meeting criteria were identified. Average time between MVD with Teflon placement and onset of facial weakness was 16.1 (±4.9) years (range 9.3–23.3 years). Initial House‐Brackmann scores were as follows: four patients with V/VI and one each with III/VI and IV/VI. Interventions included eyelid weight placement (n = 3), chemodenervation (n = 2), static suspension with tensor fascia latae (n = 2), dynamic reanimation with cranial nerves V to VII transfer (n = 1), and temporalis muscle transfer (n = 1). Conclusion Teflon granuloma should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with new onset facial weakness with a previous history of MVD for HFS. It remains unknown whether early granuloma extirpation is effective. Prompt diagnosis allows consideration of time‐sensitive nerve transfer procedures to reanimate facial function. Level of Evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 130:1422–1427, 2020