Succinate Dehydrogenase Pathogenic Variants Among Older Adults With Head and Neck Paragangliomas.

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of patients over the age of 50 who have HNPGL related to an SDH PV.

METHODS

Patients seen at a single, tertiary-care academic medical center diagnosed with a new HNPGL over the age of 50 were included and analyzed.

RESULTS

One hundred and eleven individuals (155 tumors) were included. Eighty (72%) patients underwent genetic testing. Twenty-one PVs of known significance were identified (SDHA in 1, SDHB in 11, SDHC in 5, SDHD in 3, and FH in 1). The rate of SDH PVs in the tested group was 25%. The median age in patients with a PV was 60 years (IQR: 54-67) years, compared to 67 years (IQR: 59-71) in those without.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients diagnosed with a HNPGL over the age of 50 are still at risk for having an SDH PV. Older patients with HNPGL and their families should still be referred for genetic testing.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.