[Paraganglioma of the cauda equina with gangliocyte differentiation]

Clinicoradiologic and pathologic data of a patient with a paraganglioma of the cauda equina are described. The peculiar aspect of this rare case is the gangliocyte differentiation with mature ganglion cells scattered in the tumor. The histologic and ultrastructural features are similar to other described cases of this tumor, with Zellballen pattern and neurosecretory granules. The immunohistochemical studies are quite typical with positive staining with neuroendocrine markers (N.S.E., G.F.A.P.). An interpretation of these findings is made.