Glomus jugulare tumor presenting as papilledema – A rare case report

Abstract

A 54-year-old male presented with headache and blurring of vision in both eyes for 2 months. Ocular examination showed bilateral lateral rectus palsy with papilledema, suggestive of raised intra-cranial pressure. A computed tomography scan of the brain revealed an expansile infiltrating soft tissue lesion causing lysis of the right petrous and jugular fossa, suggestive of a Jugular fossa tumor. The patient’s blood pressure was high at all times despite regular medications because of the glomus tumor’s supposed release of catecholamines. Elective surgery was planned; however, the patient developed a fatal tumor rupture within 4 months of diagnosis, for which emergency neurosurgical intervention and intensive care support were given, but he succumbed to death. Tumors obstructing the jugular outflow can cause increased intra-cranial pressure and vision loss, requiring prompt neurosurgical intervention.