To investigate the multi-detector CT (MSCT) manifestations of retroperitoneal paragangliomas (PGL).

MSCT images and clinical data of 25 patients with PGL confirmed by pathology in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2012 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, there were 9 cases of nonfunctional retroperitoneal PGL and 16 cases of functional retroperitoneal PGL.The MSCT manifestations of retroperitoneal PGL were observed.

The diameter of the tumors were (58.69± 35.17) mm. Twenty-one cases were located on the right side and 4 cases on the left side. Plain scan showed that the CT value of solid component was (39.92±8.00) HU. The density was uniform in 3 cases, and uneven in 22 cases, mainly with lamellar cystic low density shadow. The solid components of the tumors in arterial phase were significantly enhanced, the CT value was (104.6±31.48) HU; the enhancement in venous phase was sustained in 21 cases, and the enhancement degree in 4 cases decreased slightly. The diameter of nonfunctional retroperitoneal PGL was (65.33 ±56.42) mm, which was longer than the (54.52±15.82)mm of functional retroperitoneal PGL, and the difference was significant (t=2.52, P=0.028). There was no significant difference in plain scan or enhancement results (P>0.05).

Retroperitoneal nonfunctional PGL is consistent with functional PGL in MSCT plain scan and enhancement. CT findings of retroperitoneal PGL can provide accurate localization and preliminary qualitative diagnosis of the tumor.

Retroperitoneal paraganglioma; Multi-detector CT; Manifestation