[Vagal paraganglioma]

Vagal paragangliomas are rare tumors of neural crest origin. This neoplasm is generally located at various points along the peripheral distribution of the vagus nerve, in the region of the jugular and nodose ganglia, just beneath the perineurium of the nerve, but may arise anywhere along the course of the vagus nerve. Histologically, vagal paragangliomas are similar to carotid body tumors, and occasionally can undergo malignant transformation and metastasize (10-19%) or infiltrate the base of the skull. Selective arteriography can distinguish vagal paraganglioma from carotid body tumor, because the first lies above carotid bifurcation without widening of the vessels. CT scanning and MR are useful for preoperative evaluation of the jugular foramen for neoplastic involvement. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice, but usually it isn't possible to exercise these lesions without sacrifice of the vagus nerve. A careful follow-up examination for the development of metastases and multicentric paragangliomas is necessary. Two cases of vagal paragangliomas one of them with cervical node metastases, are reported. Diagnostic and surgical features of these rare neoplasms are outlined.