Paraganglioma of the Cauda Equina Region

Abstract

Paragangliomas of the spine are rare neuroendocrine tumors. We present a case of spinal paraganglioma at cauda equina region. Patient presented with low back pain with monoradicular symptoms. Total excision of the intradural extramedullary lesion provided complete relief of symptoms postoperatively. Histopathological examination of the resected tumor mass, revealed features suggestive of paraganglioma. Although paragangliomas are rare in spinal region, they should be considered as a differential diagnosis in intradural extramedullary lesions. They are benign tumors and can be successfully treated by total resection.

Case of Conus Paraganglioma: Case Report with Review

“…3 5 13 Incomplete surgical resection tumors or locally invasive tumors are benefited with radiotherapy. 6 8…”

“…Most common site is cauda equina and the filum terminale, followed by thoracic and cervical regions. 8 Conus is a rare location for these tumors. [2][3][4][5] Previously cited reports show a male preponderance and occurance in third to fifth decade.…”

“…[5][6][7] Microscopic examination shows nests of round-topolygonal tumor cells separated by fibrovascular septa, arranged in zellballen pattern. 3,8 Immunohistochemically paragangliomas are sensitive to neuron-specific enolase, but lack specificity, but synaptophysin and chromogranin are sensitive and reliable for chief cells. 3,9 Sustentacular cells show uniformly reactivity for S-100 protein.…”