[Paraganglioma of the cauda equina. Apropos of a case with review of the literature].

Abstract

Paragangliomas are unusual neuroendocrine tumors. The most common anatomical site is within head and neck (90%). It has rarely been described in the region of the cauda equina. We report the case of a 49 years-old white woman who presented with a slow, progressive cauda equina syndrome over a 20-years period. Radiological examination showed erosion of the vertebral laminae of L4, L5 and S1 and disclosed an intra-dural mass lesion occupying the entire spinal canal between L4 and S1. The patient underwent sub-total excision and adjuvant radiation therapy. Histological examination concluded to a paraganglioma. This diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistochemical studies.