Ganglioneuromatous paraganglioma of the cauda equina--a pathological case study

Hum Pathol. 2005 Apr;36(4):444-6. doi: 10.1016/j.humpath.2005.01.024.

Abstract

This study presents a rare case of compound paraganglioma/ganglioneuroma with comprehensive immunohistochemical studies that reveal strong cytokeratin expression in all components. A 74-year-old woman presented with a mass lesion of the cauda equina. The 1.8-cm tumor showed 3 histomorphologically and immunohistochemically distinct components: typical paragangliomatous neuroendocrine areas, mature ganglion cell-like neuronal areas, and a "neuromatous" proliferation of Schwann cells with admixed axons. As often seen in cauda equina paragangliomas, the neuroendocrine cells were cytokeratin-positive. In addition, immunoreactivity for cytokeratins was also observed in the neurons and axons. This tumor illustrates the broad spectrum of divergent differentiation that can be seen in cells of sympathoadrenal lineage.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cauda Equina*
  • Female
  • Ganglioneuroma / metabolism
  • Ganglioneuroma / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Keratins / metabolism
  • Paraganglioma / metabolism
  • Paraganglioma / pathology*

Substances

  • Keratins