CATECHOLAMINE-SECRETING PARAGANGLIOMAS AT THE SKULL BASE

Paragangliomas (glomus tumors) comprise 15% of all neoplasms at the sk ull base. Despite extensive growth, these tumors usually do not secret e active biogenic substances into the circulation in sufficient quanti ties to produce symptoms. When they do secrete large amounts of catech olamines, they will cause symptoms that mimic a pheochromocytoma. The still confusing nomenclature of paragangliomas is reviewed, and the cl inical work-up, surgical treatment, and follow-up of five patients wit h catecholamine-secreting paragangliomas of temporal bone (3), infrate mporal fossa (1), and nasopharynx (1) are presented and discussed.