Middle mediastinal paraganglioma: A case report and review of the literature

Rational:Paragangliomas are rare and can occur in many places throughout the body, but mediastinal paragangliomas are even rarer, accounting for less than 0.3% of mediastinal masses. Extremely susceptible to misdiagnosis and mistreatment, which may lead to the death of the patient.Patient concerns:We report a case of a giant paraganglioma of the middle mediastinum. A 40-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with a rib fracture and a chest computed tomography suggesting a giant occupying tumor in the middle mediastinum.Diagnosis:Immunohistochemistry revealed positive for S100 fraction and Syn, focally positive for CgA, while negative for CKp and succinate dehydrogenase complex iron sulfur subunit B gene, and Ki67index approximate to 5%. The imaging and immunohistochemical features suggested a final diagnosis of Paragangliomas.Interventions:This patient underwent lateral open heart surgery to remove a mediastinal mass.Outcomes:One month after being discharged, the patient was contacted by phone for a follow-up visit and reported feeling OK. Unfortunately, as of the date of submission, the patient did not come to our hospital for review.Lessons:Mediastinal paraganglioma as a rare and potentially malignant tumor susceptible to misdiagnosis and mistreatment. Organ pathology examination is the gold standard for diagnosis, and surgery is an important treatment method. A clear diagnosis and thorough preoperative examination are important guarantees for the success of surgery.