CT diagnosis and surgical treatment of retroperitoneal paraganglioma

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the surgical treatment and CT diagnosis of retroperitoneal paraganglioma. Methods Clinical data, CT image and surgical treatment of 17 cases diagnosed as retroperitoneal paraganglioma were analyzed retrospectively. Results In CT scan, tumors were singular and located around the abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava in 13 cases, while in the other 4 cases tumors were located in the lower abdomen and pelvic cavity.The masses were oval shaped, varied in size and the margins were clear. Most mass had integral capsule. The density were uneven and the low density area didn′t have enhancement in contrast enhancement CT. All of the 17 patients received complete tumor resection in which 13 cases were pathologically diagnosed as benign, 4 cases was boundary or low malignant and 3 cases received second operation for recurrence. Conclusion CT is helpful in diagnosis and locating retroperitoneal paraganglioma. Surgical resection is effective and satisfactory. Key words: Paraganglioma; Retroperitoneal neoplasms; Tomography, X-ray computed