Abstract
BackgroundParagangliomas are tumors that arise from extra-adrenal chromaffin cells. Herein, we present a rare case of a functional paraganglioma in the posterior mediastinum.Case presentationA 36-year-old man presented with paroxysms of chest pain and headache. At presentation, the patient’s blood pressure was 190/120 mmHg. Chest computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a left paravertebral mass in the posterior mediastinum. 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scanning revealed focally high tracer uptake in the left paravertebral area. The metanephrine level in the urine was elevated, confirming a rare, catecholamine-producing, functional paraganglioma in the posterior mediastinum. Before surgery, the patient was prepared by orally administering α- and β-adrenergic blockers. The mass was then resected via a lateral thoracotomy. The metanephrine level in urine was normal 24 h after surgery.ConclusionsParagangliomas in the posterior mediastinum are very rare, but more than half of all cases are functional. The associated symptoms are curable with complete resection, and long-term follow-up for recurrence is important.
Highlights
Paragangliomas are tumors that arise from extra-adrenal chromaffin cells
The associated symptoms are curable with complete resection, and long-term follow-up for recurrence is important
We report an unusual case of a functional paraganglioma in the posterior mediastinum of a 36-year-old man who underwent successful resection of the mass
Summary
Paragangliomas are tumors that arise from extra-adrenal chromaffin cells. we present a rare case of a functional paraganglioma in the posterior mediastinum.Case presentation: A 36-year-old man presented with paroxysms of chest pain and headache. It is important to diagnose, localize, and remove paragangliomas, because the associated symptoms and hypertension are curable with resection and these tumors have malignant potential. Paragangliomas in the posterior mediastinum are rare, and more than half of the cases are functional [1, 2].
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