Gangliocytic paraganglioma of the cauda equina: A rare tumor case report with literature review

Abstract

Gangliocytic paragangliomas are rare, benign, encapsulated, and slow-growing tumors arising from the neuro-ectodermal ganglion or spindle cells. We describe the case of a 47-year-old male patient who presented to our department with intractable lower back pain with occasional radiation to the lower limbs over the past two months. His magnetic resonance imaging scan showed an intradural extramedullary lesion at L2–L3 level. He underwent total surgical excision of the tumor with no perioperative complications. The histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry was suggestive of gangliocytic paraganglioma. He had complete resolution of his symptoms following the surgery. In addition to the case presentation, we have also performed a review of the literature.

Keywords

• extra-adrenal paraganglioma
• gangliocytic paraganglioma
• spinal paraganglioma