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PARAGANGLIOMA IN THE SPINE: CASE REPORT
Maurício Santos Gusmão1, Eduardo Gil França Gomes2, Rony Brito Fernandes3
1Orthopedist and Specialist in Spinal Surgery; Attending Physician at the TRM Service, State General Hospital; Coordinator and Preceptor of Fourth-year Residence relating to the Spine, Hospital of Santa Casa de Misericórdia da Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil.
This case report highlights a rare spinal paraganglioma causing a thoracic spine fracture and complete spinal cord injury. Prior embolization is recommended to mitigate excessive bleeding during surgical treatment of this neuroendocrine tumor.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Oncology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors originating from neural crest cells.
- Spinal canal paragangliomas are uncommon, typically found in the extramedullary intradural lumbosacral region.
- This study focuses on a rare thoracic spine presentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a unique case of thoracic spinal paraganglioma causing pathological fracture and spinal cord injury.
- To emphasize the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with spinal paragangliomas.
- To recommend improved surgical planning and potential pre-operative interventions.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of a 26-year-old male with thoracic spine fracture (T10) due to paraganglioma.
- Description of surgical intervention at the General Hospital of the State of Bahia.
- Analysis of intraoperative complication (excessive bleeding) and its implications.
Main Results:
- The patient experienced a pathological fracture of the thoracic spine (T10) secondary to paraganglioma.
- Complete spinal cord injury resulted from the tumor.
- Excessive bleeding occurred during surgery, suggesting a need for prior embolization.
Conclusions:
- Spinal paragangliomas are rare but can cause severe neurological deficits.
- Careful surgical planning is crucial for managing these lesions.
- Pre-operative embolization should be considered to prevent catastrophic intraoperative hemorrhage.
