Asian Journal of Case Reports in Surgery

Retroperitoneal Non-functioning Paraganglioma: A Case Report with Review of Literature

M. Dabbagh *

Department of Visceral Surgery, Mohammed V Military Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.

M. Sabur

Department of Visceral Surgery, Mohammed V Military Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.

I. El Azzaoui

Department of Visceral Surgery, Mohammed V Military Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.

A. Maazouz

Department of Visceral Surgery, Mohammed V Military Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.

M. Lamghari

Department of Visceral Surgery, Mohammed V Military Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.

H. Hablaj

Department of Visceral Surgery, Mohammed V Military Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.

R. El Mouhib

Department of Visceral Surgery, Mohammed V Military Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.

A. Bensal

Department of Visceral Surgery, Mohammed V Military Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.

M. Najih

Department of Visceral Surgery, Mohammed V Military Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.

H. El Kaoui

Department of Visceral Surgery, Mohammed V Military Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.

S. M. Bouchentouf

Department of Visceral Surgery, Mohammed V Military Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.

A. Bounaim

Department of Visceral Surgery, Mohammed V Military Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.

M. Moujahid

Department of Visceral Surgery, Mohammed V Military Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

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Abstract

Background:  Paragangliomas (PGs) are uncommon neoplasms that arise from primitive neural crest cells. These tumors are seldom detected and are typically difficult to identify and treat. They can either be functional or non-functional when they release catecholamines. A preoperative diagnosis of PGs is uncommon unless the tumor is functioning. A radiological diagnosis is made using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We describe the case of a male patient, age 41, who complained of abdominal pain and was later found to have a retroperitoneal tumor in the left anterior pararenal region. The tumor was entirely removed. Histological evaluation and immunohistochemical testing were used to confirm the diagnosis of PGs.

Case Report: The purpose of this case is to describe an incidental finding of left retroperitoneal PGs in a young man who presented with left-sided abdominal pain. Additionally, we want to emphasize how crucial early diagnosis is and how dangerous these tumors can be.

Conclusion: Though they can potentially become locally invasive and metastasize, retroperitoneal PGs usually have a benign prognosis. Due to the potential for malignant transformation, surgical removal is the primary method of therapy for PGs.

Keywords: Retroperitoneal tumors, paragangliomas, neuroendocrine tumors, immunohistochemistry

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