Paraganglioma of the cauda equina. Report of a rare tumor.

The rare occurrence of a paraganglioma of the cauda equina is described. The correct diagnosis was made only retrospectively after examination of a recurrence nine years after initial surgery. Paragangliomas have not been mentioned in large tabulations of spinal cord tumors, perhaps reflecting the fact that it is only within the last decade that such tumors have been recognized in this unusual location. A literature review has revealed six cases of paraganglioma of the cauda equina reported since 1970. An awareness of the possibility of a paraganglioma intimately associated with the spinal cord as well as the histopathologic appearance are the bases of a correct diagnosis. These tumors are histopathologically similar to paragangliomas in conventional locations, exhibit ultrastructural granules and may, as in the current case, also demonstrate argyrophilic granules.