This T2 axial MRI sequence demonstrates the supratentorial extension of the glomus jugulare tumor into the right cerebellopontine angle cistern (CPA) and also external to the cerebellum.
Special thanks to Benjamin B. Kuzma, MD for this radiographic image.
Paraganglioma (eg, glomus jugulare paraganglioma)
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Paraganglioma (glomus jugulare paraganglioma)
- Glomus jugulare paraganglioma grow out of the jugular foramen in the temporal bone. Although their pathology, itself, is benign, they can have extensive growth into the middle and inner ear canals, through the skull base, into the upper neck, and affect related neurovascular structures.
- Surgical resection is typically curative.
- Paragangliomas originate from neural crest derived chromaffin-negative glomus cells of the sympathetic nervous system that normally act as chemoreceptors in the carotid and aortic bodies (which we learn about along with the baroreceptor reflex).
- Chromaffin-negative (aka nonchromaffin) paraganglion cells make up chemoreceptive cells in close proximity to neurovascular structures (especially CNs 9 & 10).
- They sense pH, CO2, and O2 concentrations in the blood and play keep feedback roles in cardiopulmonary physiology.
- Chromaffin-negative (aka nonchromaffin) paraganglia include:
- The carotid body
- The aortic body
- The glomus jugulare (hence, "glomus tumors", see below)
- The glomus tympanicum
- Pheochromocytoma refers to tumors that grown out of the adrenal chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla, itself -- deep within the adrenal gland.
- Glomus Jugulare tumors go by many names, including: glomus tumor, chemodectoma, perithelioma, fibroangioma, and sympathetic nevi.