Neurology India Medknow Publications on behalf of the Neurological Society of India ISSN: 0028-3886 EISSN: 1998-4022 Vol. 52, Num. 2, 2004, pp. 243-244

Neurology India, Vol. 52, No. 2, April-June, 2004, pp. 243-244

Case Report

Cauda equina paraganglioma presenting with intracranial hypertension: Case report and review of the literature

Sankhla Suresh , Khan GM

Department of Neurosurgery, Prince Aly Khan Hospital, Aga Hall, Nesbit Road, Mazagaon, Mumbai - 400 010

Correspondence Address:45/4, Chanchal-Smruti, G. D. Ambekar Road, Wadala, Mumbai - 400031
ssankhla@vsnl.com

Code Number: ni04073

Abstract

Keywords: Paraganglioma, cauda equina, intracranial hypertension

Introduction

Paragangliomas are benign and slow-growing neuroectodermal tumors commonly found in the adrenal medulla, carotid bodies, and glomus jugulare. Paragangliomas of the cauda equina are relatively rare.[1] Clinical manifestations produced by paragangliomas are non-specific and may include back pain and radicular symptoms. We report a case of paragangliomas which had unusual presenting symptoms.

Case Report

Discussion

Spinal paragangliomas are uncommon. Only a few cases have been reported since the first case of spinal paraganglioma was described. Miller and Torack[2] described the first case and since then only isolated cases have been reported in the literature. Generally, these tumors arise from the filum terminale and displace the nerve roots peripherally as they grow in size. Clinical symptoms produced by paragangliomas are non-specific and patients often present with features of the cauda equina syndrome including back pain, radicular symptoms, and bladder disturbances. Intracranial hypertension as a clinical manifestation of the spinal tumors is uncommon and has occasionally been observed with intradural tumors like ependymoma, schwannoma, astrocytoma, and meningioma.[3] Spinal paragangliomas presenting with the symptoms and signs of raised intracranial pressure are rare and have been reported in three cases.[4],[5],[6]

The pathogenesis of this rare clinical syndrome is uncertain. However, it has been postulated that the intracranial hypertension in these cases may be due to the elevated protein contents, which results in CSF absorption block by damaging Pacchionian granulations.[6] The CSF absorption defect may lead to the development of hydrocephalus, which may account for elevated intracranial pressure in some of these patients. The nature of the protein in the CSF has not been determined but it has been suggested that it is partly secreted by the tumors, or represents tumor breakdown products or fibrinogen. Subarachnoid hemorrhage is described in about 26% patients with spinal tumors and may be responsible for headache and papilledema by virtue of increased CSF proteins, CSF absorption defect and hydrocephalus.[3]

The secretion of a large amount of fluid by the tumors is also believed to be an etiological factor in the development of increased intracranial pressure.[3] However, hydrocephalus due to excessive CSF production has so far been documented only in patients with choroid plexus papilloma.[7] Blockage of the CSF outflow by arachnoid adhesions,[6] and tumors of the cervico-medullary junction,[3] as well as the intracranial leptomeningeal spread of distant spinal cord tumors,[8] have also been described to produce hydrocephalus and raised intracranial pressure.

Intracranial hypertension can occasionally develop as a result of obstruction in the CSF pathways due to fat droplets released intermittently by certain spinal lesions such as the epidermoid and dermoid cysts.[9]

However, in certain well-documented cases of spinal tumors, raised intracranial pressure has been recorded even with low CSF protein levels, normal ventricular size, and normal CSF absorption studies.[3] It therefore seems likely that in some of these cases the mechanism of intracranial hypertension is different and may be similar to that found in a number of inflammatory or immunologic disorders associated with benign intracranial hypertension.[10] Regardless of the mechanism of intracranial hypertension, the clinical symptoms and signs usually recover completely after the removal of the tumor as observed in our case.

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to express their grateful appreciation to Dr. R. F. Chinoy, Consultant Histopathologist, for her valuable help in providing the histopathological diagnosis and material for this article.

References

Copyright 2004 - Neurology India

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