Retroperitoneal paraganglioma with metastasis to the abdominal vertebra: a case report

Jun He,Wei Zheng,Xingjun Wang,Xingjun Wang,Yaowang Zhao

doi:10.1186/1746-1596-8-52

Abstract

BackgroundExtra-adrenal paraganglioma of the retroperitoneum with metastasis to the vertebra is very rare. To our knowledge this is the first report of this kind of disease in the literature.Case presentationHere, we present an oroginal case of paraganglioma of the retroperitoneum with metastasis to the abdominal vertebra in a 42-year-old female patient who was successfully treated by complete removal of the tumor and its metastasis. The patient was followed up for four years and remained disease-free.ConclusionOur case demonstrated the need to consider paraganglioma of the retroperitoneum in the differential diagnosis of retroperitoneal mass, metastatic tumors to the vertebra, and the importance of radical surgery for a successful management of the disease.Virtual SlidesThe virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1956611954880197

Highlights

Extra-adrenal paraganglioma of the retroperitoneum with metastasis to the vertebra is very rare
Immunohistochemical examination of the tumor was as follows: cytokeratin- (Figure 3A1, 3A2), epithelial membrane antigen (EMA)- (Figure 3B1, 3B2), vimentin+ (Figure 3C1, 3C2), S-100 sported+ (Figure 3D1, 3D2), synaptophysin+ (Figure 4A1, 4A2), chromograninA+ (Figure 4B1, 4B2),The Ki-67 labeling index was less than 1%.(Figure 4C1, 4C2),These findings led to a histological diagnosis of non-chromaffin paraganglioma of the retroperitoneum
For those patients with a nonfunctional paraganglioma, Vanillyl mandelic acid (VMA) and catecholamine are normal in her urine and blood

Summary

Introduction

Extra-adrenal paraganglioma of the retroperitoneum with metastasis to the vertebra is very rare. Few cases regarding paragangliomas of the retroperitoneum with metastases have been reported [3]. A rare case of paraganglioma of the retroperitoneum with metastasis to the abdominal vertebra was reported in a 42-year-old female patient.

Results

Conclusion