Mixed chemodectoma-ganglioneuroma of the conus medullaris region

Report of a 33-year-old man with a year-long history of low-back pain radiating into the left leg. Neurologic examination upon admission to the hospital revealed a spinal compression syndrome at the level L5. Laminectomy at L 4/5 revealed an encapsulated intradural tumor measuring 4 X 2.5 X 2.5 cm. The tumor was attached to the dorsal root L 4 and extended downward to the conus region. Light and electron microscopy revealed features mostly consistent with a mixed chemodectoma and ganglioneuroma.