Abstract
BACKGROUND: Paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors predominantly located within the adrenal gland. Extra-adrenal paragangliomas, particularly those in the anterosuperior mediastinum, are exceedingly rare and pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to their complex anatomical location. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 42-year-old woman was found to have an anterosuperior mediastinal mass during a routine health screening. Enhanced chest computed tomography (CT) revealed an ovoid, low-density mass intricately associated with major vascular structures including the superior vena cava, brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid artery, aortic arch, right anonymous vein, and right subclavian artery. Despite significant intraoperative blood loss of 2000 ml, the mass was successfully excised with meticulous surgical technique and effective hemostasis. Histopathological examination showed a classic Zellballen pattern with chief cells and sustentacular cells embedded in a vascular-rich stroma. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the tumor's chromaffin nature, with chief cells testing positive for CD56, Synaptophysin, and Chromogranin A, and sustentacular cells positive for S100 protein, consistent with a diagnosis of paraganglioma. The patient's postoperative recovery was uneventful, and she was discharged one week after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the essential role of comprehensive preoperative imaging and the necessity for interdisciplinary surgical expertise in managing complex mediastinal paragangliomas. Advanced surgical techniques and careful intraoperative management are paramount to achieving successful outcomes. Appropriate imaging modalities and auxiliary laboratory tests are crucial for early detection of recurrences in these rare tumors.