Functioning Paraganglioma Manifested Cerebral Hemorrhage and Combined with Coronary Arterio-Venous Fistula

ABSTRACT

Extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas, also called functioning paragangliomas are uncommon retroperitoneal tumor, manifesting with similar symptoms and signs to adrenal pheochromocytoma. In this report, we present a case of a 46-year-old women who had had paroxysmal hypertension and palpitation for four years. An abdominal mass, the size of an adult fist, was noted, with symptom of a cerebral hemor rhage and cardiac ischemia caused by a coronary arterio-venous fistula. The cerebral hemorrhage symptoms were improved spontaneously. The abdominal mass determined to be a functioning paraganglioma by complete resection. The coronary arterio-venous fistula was surgically corrected a month after resection of the tumor. The patient was freed from the symptoms and signs of a pheochromocytoma, including palpitations and hypertension. There has been norecurrence for a year and half following the removal of the mass.