One uncommon case of paragangliomas arising from the vagus nerve is described. The patient underwent surgery for suspected carotid body tumour, and computed tomography scan and digital angiography allowed a correct pre-operative diagnosis to be made. This case confirms the prevalence of vagal paragangliomas in female sex and middle age, and the possibility of multiple similar tumours in the same patient. Histological benign features, absence of neurological symptoms, lack of local invasion or intracranial extension confirm the frequent benign behaviour of these neoplasms. Lack of catecholamine secretion confirms the low incidence of functioning tumours. Contrast computed tomography and digital angiography still remain the gold standard reliable instruments for diagnosis despite the success of magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance angiography and octreotide scintigraphy to detect head and neck paragangliomas. A transcervical approach, without mandibulotomy, is suitable for large tumours but complete removal, with sparing of involved segments of the vagus nerve, is rarely possible. Post-operative neurological morbidity is still an unsolved issue and, therefore, rehabilitation of deglutition and phonation is an integral part of management.
Article info
Identification
Copyright
© 2015 Published by Elsevier Inc.