Malignant Retroperitoneal Paraganglioma with T11 Metastasis and Compression of the Spinal Cord

A 38 years old male worker presented with an advanced left side retroperitoneal mass, with metastatic involvement of 11th Thoracic Vertebra (T11) and resultant paraparesia and paresthesia. The histopathologic examination and immune-histochemical analysis confirmed the diagnosis of paraganglioma. Decompression laminectomy and fixation of involved vertebra resulted to considerable symptomatic relief. Due to inability of resection at presentation, chemotherapy with palliative intent performed, and resulted to mild response. Palliative debulking performed after chemotherapy and resulted to better quality of patient’s life during next 8 months. Remaining mass at pelvic area increased in size and patient received (131) I-MIBG therapy, 8 months post-operatively. A second debulking surgery, as well as other palliative measures will be considered for future.