Organ of Zuckerkandl paraganglioma

Case contributed by Michael P Hartung
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Abdominal discomfort and hypertension.

Patient Data

Age: 35 years
Gender: Female

Large, rounded enhancing mass along the rightward margin of the abdominal aorta centered at the origin of the inferior mesenteric artery and extending down inferiorly towards the aortic bifurcation. This mass is avidly arterial enhancing with some heterogeneity and a tiny fleck of calcium. Multiple liver lesions with similar enhancement characteristics as the primary mass.

Case Discussion

Imaging features typical for an organ of Zuckerkandl paraganglioma with liver metastases (likely accounting for the patient's hypertension), with strikingly similar imaging features between the primary tumor and liver metastases. This can also be described as an extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma. Note how neuroendocrine tumor metastases are generally easier to see on late arterial phase imaging rather than portal venous phase.

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