CT Imaging Findings of Extra-adrenal Abdominal Paragangliomas: A Case Series

Abstract

Extra-adrenal paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumours originating from paraganglia outside the adrenal glands. The present case series illustrates the Computed Tomography (CT) imaging features of three instances of extra-adrenal abdominal paragangliomas. The discussed cases include Retroperitoneal paraganglioma with Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) infiltration and associated hepatic, pancreatic, and skeletal metastasis; Inter-aortocaval paraganglioma; and Organ of Zuckerkandl Paraganglioma. The CT imaging features of the lesions and their relation with the adjacent vascular structures are described. The differential diagnosis and histopathological correlations are discussed. These cases underscore the importance of considering paragangliomas in the differential diagnosis of soft-tissue masses in the abdomen and highlight the role of Contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) imaging in their evaluation. Understanding the diverse imaging characteristics of extra-adrenal paragangliomas aids in accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Further studies are needed to expand the authors knowledge of these rare tumours and optimise their imaging evaluation.

Keywords

• computed tomography
• inter-aortocaval paraganglioma
• metastatic paraganglioma
• neuroendocrine tumours
• organ of zuckerkandl
• retroperitoneal paraganglioma