Laparoscopic resection of an interaortocaval paraganglioma: diagnosis following a needle biopsy

We present the case of a 45-year-old male with an interaortocaval paraganglioma. The tumor was incidentally diagnosed during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbosacral spine to investigate back pain. The MRI was followed by fine needle aspiration cytology that confirmed the diagnosis. The patient, however, did report a history of intermittent episodes of headaches, increased sweating, palpitations, and elevations in blood pressure. The tumor was excised laparoscopically without complications. Needle biopsy of a retroperitoneal mass that could be a paraganglioma must be avoided.