A case of paraganglioma of the hypoglossal nerve

Paragangliomas are rare tumours arising from the paraganglia of the autonomic nervous system.

We present a case of a paraganglioma arising from the hypoglossal nerve and producing an unusual clinical picture at presentation.

We supply radiological evidence of a paraganglioma originating from the hypoglossal nerve, and thus extend the evidence base for this rare site of origin. Our patient presented as an emergency with long tract neurological symptoms and progressive brainstem involvement. This presentation is not characteristic of paragangliomas in general, which usually have an indolent growth pattern and often demonstrate benign symptoms for a number of years prior to diagnosis. The location of a hypoglossal paraganglioma differs significantly from more common paragangliomas described in the neck and skull base, and this should inform the surgical approach undertaken.