Intradural Extramedullary Thoracic Spinal Paraganglioma in a Young Adult: A Case Report

Spinal paragangliomas are rare, typically benign neuroendocrine tumors, exceptionally uncommon in the intradural extramedullary thoracic region. Their diagnosis is particularly unusual in young adults. We report the case of a 27-year-old patient who presented with progressive paraparesis due to spinal cord compression caused by a 36 × 17 mm mass at the D3-D4 level, identified on MRI. Surgical resection was performed. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of spinal paraganglioma, supported by immunohistochemistry (positive for chromogranin A, synaptophysin, and focal expression of S-100 protein). Given the risk of local recurrence, adjuvant radiotherapy was administered. Clinical outcome was favorable, with complete recovery of motor deficits following functional rehabilitation. Radiological follow-up at one year post-radiotherapy showed no signs of recurrence.