Large Retroperitoneal Paraganglioma Associated with Germline Mutation of the Succinate Dehydrogenase Gene

Paragangliomas (PGLs) are rare neural tumors that can be benign or malignant and often associated with familial syndromes. We present a case of a 23-year-old male with a large retroperitoneal PGL found incidentally during the workup of elevated liver enzymes. After surgical excision, the patient was found to have an autosomal dominant mutation in the succinate dehydrogenase B (SDHB) gene, which when compared to sporadic PGLs or other familial syndromes is associated with a higher risk of tumor recurrence, occult metastasis, and development of other cancers. The patient’s first-degree relatives were recommended to undergo screening for the genetic mutation.