Objective: To investigate pathologic characteristics and the value of CT in diagnosing paraganglioma. Methods: The imaging findings in 42 cases examined by CT with pathologically-proved retroperitoneal paraganglioma were collected. The image characteristics were retrospectively analyzed and compared with histological features. Results: Paragangliomas are tumors that arise anywhere from the neck to the pelvis paralleling the sympathetic ganglion chain. Pre-contrast CT appeared iso- or hypo-dense and the solid component of tumors were markedly enhanced after contrast administration. The tumor size, extent, location, surrounding vessels involvement can be well demonstrated on MPR and VR by CT reconstruction. Conclusion: CT is an effective imaging modality in the localization and qualitative diagnosis of paragangliomas, moreover, it can provide more anatomical information for surgery.
