Jugulotympanic paraganglioma

Case contributed by Bruno Di Muzio
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Previous history of melanoma, erosive petrous bone lesion found on CT brain (not shown).

Patient Data

Age: 50 years
Gender: Male

Brain

mri

At the left petrous apex region, expanding the jugular foramen and extending into the left middle ear cavity, there is a vividly enhancing solid mass with elevated T2 signal and scattered flow-voids. The lesion has a subcentimeter protrusion abutting the cerebellum in the cerebellopontine angle. Partial obliteration of the mastoid air cells on the left. 

Preserved left ICA flow-voids. Dural venous sinuses are patent, with normal opacification of the left sigmoid sinus and favorable torcular anatomy with good communication between both transverse sinuses. 

PET-CT (Gallium-68 DOTATATE)

Nuclear medicine

Left petrous bone lesion is intensively octreotate avid, which is best explained by a jugulotympanic paraganglioma given the MRI appearances. 

Case Discussion

Although the imaging features on MRI were quite suggestive of a paraganglioma, given the history of melanoma, functional imaging with a Gallium-68 DOTATATE PET CT was performed. 

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.