Multiple Spinal Metastases from a Malignant Paraganglioma

Chrystal Calderon*, Alberto Perez Villafuerte, Arianne Lalla and Sandeep Maharajh

Department of Surgery, Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (NCRHA), Trinidad and Tobago

^*Correspondance to: Chrystal Calderon 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.2949

Abstract

Background: A malignant paraganglioma is a rare form of cancer that depicts varying symptomatology on presentation. This case serves to highlight an aggressive form of the disease, with considerable metastasis to the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. This case was reliant on histopathological analysis to confirm the diagnosis. Case Summary: A 34-year-old male of Afro-Caribbean descent presented with a 1-month history of shortness of breath, body pains and lower limb weakness. On investigation for a pulmonary embolus, bilateral subpleural densities and several bony lesions were noted. Further imaging of the whole spine showed extensive metastatic lesions with compressive fractures. Ultrasound guided biopsy was performed and confirmed the diagnosis of a paraganglioma as the primary source. Supportive care ensued during in-hospital admission however; the patient demonstrated rapid deterioration of neurological status and progression of pain during this time. He succumbed to this pathological process within days of admission. Conclusion: A comprehensive understanding and a high level of clinical suspicion of malignant paragangliomas are critical when faced with spinal metastases of unknown origin. The non-specific nature on presentation and potential for rapid neurological deterioration in this aggressive primary tumor is a challenging surgical undertaking.

Keywords

Malignant; Paraganglioma; Spinal metastases; Multiple; Compression fracture

Cite the article

alderon C, Villafuerte AP, Lalla A, Maharajh S. Multiple Spinal Metastases from a Malignant Paraganglioma. Clin Surg. 2020; 5: 2949..