Retroperitoneoscopic Resection of Paraganglioma in a Hemodialysis Patient

Abstract

Abstract

Background:

Paraganglioma is rarely reported in patients on hemodialysis. We present a hemodialysis patient in whom incidentally identified paraganglioma was treated by retroperitoneoscopic resection.

Case Presentation:

A retroperitoneal tumor was identified incidentally in an 80-year-old man on hemodialysis for chronic renal dysfunction. The patient did not complain of any clinical symptoms suggestive of paraganglioma and plasma catecholamines levels were normal. However, iodine-123-metaiodobenzylguanidine (¹²³I-MIBG) scintigraphy showed obvious radionuclide accumulation in the tumor, leading to a diagnosis of paraganglioma. After initiation of treatment with an alpha-adrenergic receptor blocker, retroperitoneoscopic resection of the tumor was performed. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma.

Conclusion:

Although testing urine samples is unlikely available in hemodialysis patients, paraganglioma can be diagnosed by MIBG scintigraphy. Retroperitoneoscopic resection is effective for managing retroperitoneal paraganglioma in hemodialysis patients.