Retropharyngeal Ganglioneuroma Presenting with Neck Stiffness: Report of a Case and Review of Literature

Celeste Gary; Hugh Robertson; Bernardo Ruiz; Vladimir Zuzukin; Rohan R Walvekar

doi:10.1055/s-0030-1253580

Skull Base, Inhaltsverzeichnis

Skull Base 2010; 20(5): 371-374
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1253580

CASE REPORT

Retropharyngeal Ganglioneuroma Presenting with Neck Stiffness: Report of a Case and Review of Literature

Celeste Gary¹ , Hugh Robertson² , Bernardo Ruiz³ , Vladimir Zuzukin¹ , Rohan R. Walvekar¹

¹Department of Otolaryngology–Head Neck Surgery, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
²Department of Radiology, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
³Department of Pathology, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Ganglioneuromas rarely occur in the retropharynx with only three cases reported in the current literature. The most common symptom associated with retropharyngeal ganglioneuromas is dysphagia. We report a retropharyngeal ganglioneuroma with an unusual clinical presentation of neck stiffness and pain. A 42-year-old woman presented with incapacitating neck pain, neck stiffness, right upper extremity weakness, as well as dysphagia. Neurological workup was normal. Imaging revealed a hyperdense, ill-defined, diffuse right retropharyngeal mass suggestive of a possible nerve sheath tumor with no communication with the cervical spine. Surgical removal was uneventful and associated with a postoperative Horner's syndrome. In follow-up, dysphagia and neck symptoms improved. Retropharyngeal ganglioneuromas can occur in a wide age range of patients. Surgical excision via a cervical approach offers definitive therapy but may be associated with an iatrogenic Horner's syndrome for which the patients should be counseled prior to operative intervention. Neck pain is an atypical symptom that needs to be worked up to rule out a communication with the spinal column prior to surgical removal. Patients must be counseled that atypical symptoms may not completely resolve with surgical treatment.

KEYWORDS

Retropharyngeal - ganglioneuroma - neck pain - dysphagia

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Referenzen

REFERENCES

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Rohan R WalvekarM.D.

Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology–Head Neck Surgery

LSU Health Sciences Center, 533 Bolivar Street, Suite 566, New Orleans, LA 70112

eMail: rwalve@lsuhsc.edu