Cauda equina paraganglioma in pregnancy. Case presentation and review of literature

Abstract

Extra-adrenal Paragangliomas (EAP) are a subset of neuroendocrine tumours. They may arise in a variety of locations in the body. Paragangliomas in the cauda equina region are uncommon, more so is their occurrence during pregnancy. We present a cauda equina paraganglioma arising in a young pregnant female who presented with back pain, constipation and paraparesis. The MRI showed a lumbosacral intradural extramedullary mass. She underwent surgery - a laminectomy, and the mass was removed. Histology with Immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of Paraganglioma. This article highlights multidisciplinary management of low back pain coexisting with neurological deficits in pregnancy. It is emphasized that early diagnosis and appropriate management significantly reduce maternal and fetal mortality