Sellar paraganglioma: A unique route to a rare destination case report and literature review

Objective: Paragangliomas of the sella are rare; 14 cases have been reported in the literature. We describe here the unique case of a sellar paraganglioma that extended into the orbit through the superior orbital fissure. We have also reviewed all reported cases of sellar paragangliomas to better define best management strategies. Clinical presentation: A 63-year-old male presented with left eye proptosis and conjunctival vessel dilatation. Intervention: Resection of the intraorbital component of the tumor was accomplished using a transcranial-transorbital approach. Conclusion: This is the first report of a sellar/parasellar paraganglioma extending into the orbit through the superior orbital fissure. While an appropriate treatment paradigm has not been established, a review of all previously reported cases suggests that radiotherapy is an important consideration. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.