A case of cardiac paraganglioma in a patient with SDHC-related hereditary paraganglioma pheochromocytoma syndrome

Cardiac paragangliomas are rare neoplasms, comprising only 1%–3% of primary cardiac tumours, and often pose a diagnostic challenge.

A 56-year-old male presented with persistent chest pressure, palpitations and diaphoresis. Cardiac catheterization and further imaging revealed the presence of a fluorodeoxyglucose-avid enhancing epicardial mass accompanied by elevated serum catecholamines. Treatment with doxazosin followed by surgical resection was performed, confirming the diagnosis of cardiac paraganglioma on pathology.

Whilst rare, cardiac paragangliomas can be hormonally active and symptomatic, necessitating operative management. Accurate differentiation from similar masses on imaging aids in guiding preoperative hormonal evaluations and medical management, as well as in conducting genetic testing to identify causative mutations and assess heritability.