Functioning Paraganglioma of the Thoracic Spine: Case Report

Abstract

Functioning paragangliomas of the thoracic spine are rare lesions that are difficult to treat. Successful treatment requires careful surgical planning and expert pharmacological manipulation.

Clinical characteristics and surgical treatment of spinal paraganglioma: A case series of 18 patients

“…The diagnosis of pheochromocytoma or functional paraganglioma is made by measuring the levels of catecholamines and their metabolites [18,19]. Scintigraphy with 123 I MIBG (iodine-123-metaiodobenzylguanidine) is preferred functional imaging method and specific diagnostic technique.…”

“…To diagnose paraganglioma, 123 I MIBG may be an alternative. But the use and value has been limited to the secernent lesions of synchronous or metachronous metastasis and some disadvantages, such as limited spatial resolution and relatively elevated levels of radiation exposure [19]. The final diagnosis is only achieved by examination of the specimens.…”

“…Paragangliomas are more likely to become malignant than adrenal pheochromocytomas [19]. Their metastasis may occur to bones, liver, lymph nodes and lungs.…”

Neuronal and Mixed Neuronal-Glial Tumors of the Central Nervous System

“…Only 3 endocrinologically functional paragangliomas of the cauda equine region have been reported (214,215,216). The few reported paragangliomas of the thoracic spine presented with short term of signs of spinal cord compression (217). About 36% of glomus jugulare paragangliomas extend into the cranial cavity and produce headache, pulsatile tinnitus and lower cranial nerve involvement; rarely, signs of catecholamine secretion may be seen (209).…”

Laryngeal paraganglioma: clinical case presentation

“…Гормо-нально (функционально) активные ПГ вовлекают симпатическую систему и секретируют катехоламины, которые являются причиной гипертензии и тахикар-дии подобно феохромоцитоме [7,8]. Описаны лишь 2 наблюдения, в которых подобная функциональная активность ПГ имела клинические проявления [4,5].…”