RACIONAL: Paraganglioma is a rare neuroendocrine tumor which often diagnosed in the young adult. Generally, paraganglioma produces catecholamines causing adrenergic syndrome. However, more rarely when tumor is nonfunctioning, their symptoms are more associated with an abdominal mass or even pain. In these circumstances, paraganglioma present a difficult diagnosis confounding with retroperitoneal sarcomas. CASE REPORT: The authors present a case of nonfunctioning giant preaortic paraganglioma. This patient had low levels of catecholamines (both seric and urinary). The preoperative diagnosis was done by means computed tomography. This lesion presented as well-vascularized tumor with calcifications and necrotic central area. The patient underwent a surgical resection with good postoperative outcome. To date, one year after surgical treatment, the patient is alive without recurrence. CONCLUSION: Despite its rarity, non-funcionating preaortic paraganglioma should be reminded with differential diagnosis with retroperitoneal sarcomas. Treatment is surgical resection and presents a good prognosis.
Paraganglioma; Diagnostic imaging
