Para-aortic paraganglioma and its surgical management
A Case Report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59736/IJP.23.04.1026Keywords:
Functional Neuroendocrine Tumor, Para-aortic Paraganglioma, Pediatric Paraganglioma, Surgical ExcisionAbstract
Background: Paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors arising from chromaffin cells of the autonomic nervous system. They are challenging in children due to rarity and variable presentation. Case Report We report a 15-year-old boy with headache, palpitations, sweating, and persistent hypertension. Plasma and urine catecholamines were markedly elevated. CT and MIBG imaging localized a functioning para-aortic mass. Preoperative alpha blockade followed by beta blockade was given. He underwent midline laparotomy with complete excision of a highly vascular tumor abutting the abdominal aorta. Histopathology confirmed a benign paraganglioma without malignant features. Recovery was uneventful, and both blood pressure and catecholamine levels normalized. At three months he remained asymptomatic with normal laboratory values on follow-up. Conclusion This case supports consideration of paraganglioma in adolescents with unexplained hypertension, emphasizes multidisciplinary care, and highlights the need for long-term surveillance for recurrence.
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