Extra-Adrenal Malignant Paragangliomas Presenting as Mesenteric and Pararectal Masses: A Case Report

Abstract

Extra-adrenal paraganglioma is a rare tumor arising from the neural crest cells. Most tumors that develop in the abdomen arise from paraganglia along the paravertebral and para-aortic areas, in particular the organ of Zuckerkandl, which is close to the origin of the inferior mesenteric artery. However, extra-adrenal paraganglioma also occurs in relatively rare places such as the urinary bladder, gallbladder, hepatoduodenal ligament, and gastrointestinal tract. Here, we report imaging findings of extra-adrenal paragangliomas presenting as mesenteric and pararectal masses with lymph node metastasis.

Keywords

• paraganglioma
• mesentery
• neoplasms
• computed tomography
• magnetic resonance imaging