Paraganglioma of the Filum Terminale

Abstract

SUMMARY:An unusual tumor arising in the filum terminale is described. The clinical data revealed an extensive and slowly growing lesion. The histologic picture was characterized by a proliferation of lobules and sheets of regular cells within a rich vascular network. Electron microscopic studies showed light and dark cells with sustentacular extensions. Typical neurosecretory granules were obsen'ed in both cell types, establishing the diagnosis of para-ganglioma. The glomus coccygeum could be the site of this tumor.