Jugulo-tympanic paraganglioma: Case report

Abstract

Paragangliomas, which frequently affect the head and neck, are usually benign, vascular tumors.

We report on 82-year-old female, with a medical history of diabetes mellitus type 2 complaining of pulsating tinnitus of the right ear and headache during one year. Otoscopy revealed retrotympanic pulsatile purple tumor of the right ear.

CT scan revealed an osteolytic tumor at the base of the skull that had reached the jugular foramen and was eroding the petrous bone. MRI displayed a tumor measuring 29 x 27 mm, on a height of 57 mm, with a "salt and pepper" pattern of hypo intensity. Given the large intracranial extension, the age and the clinical history of the patient, the patient underwent radiotherapy in replacement of surgery.