A rare case of recurrent mediastinal malignant paraganglioma of thyroid origin: a case report

Folia Med (Plovdiv). 2023 Oct 31;65(5):828-833. doi: 10.3897/folmed.65.e93864.

Abstract

Paraganglioma is a neuroendocrine tumor that originates from extraadrenal chromaffin cells. Primary thyroid paraganglioma is an extremely rare neoplasm. In this study, an exceptionally uncommon case of recurrent mediastinal malignant paraganglioma with primary origin from thyroid gland is presented. Median resternotomy, resection of left brachiocephalic vein, and extirpation of the mediastinal tumor were performed successfully. Commonly, it is preoperatively misdiagnosed and has unpredictable biological behavior. Incorrect diagnosis results in disastrous consequences for the patient, and consequently, correct pre- and postoperative diagnoses promise an optimal treatment plan and good prognosis. Long-term follow-up is indicated in all patients due to the risk of recurrence and distant metastases.

Keywords: recurrent mediastinal malignant paraganglioma resternotomy thyroid gland surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Mediastinal Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Mediastinal Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Mediastinum / diagnostic imaging
  • Mediastinum / pathology
  • Paraganglioma* / diagnostic imaging
  • Paraganglioma* / surgery
  • Thyroid Gland / diagnostic imaging
  • Thyroid Gland / surgery