Fever of unknown origin: a rare retroperitoneal cause

BMJ Case Rep. 2012 Jun 14:2012:bcr0320126122. doi: 10.1136/bcr.03.2012.6122.

Abstract

The authors present a patient with fever of unknown origin and vague loin pain. Baseline investigations revealed elevated inflammatory markers and imaging eventually identified a renal mass. Radical nephrectomy was performed at a collaborative surgical list involving both the urology and vascular surgical teams. Histological examination confirmed a retroperitoneal paraganglioma and the patient made a rapid recovery and remains well at follow-up. This case draws attention to the rare diagnosis of retroperitoneal paraganglioma and the potential for diagnostic delay. Furthermore, the vital multi-disciplinary approach to the optimum management of patients with such tumours is highlighted.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Delayed Diagnosis*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Fever of Unknown Origin / diagnosis
  • Fever of Unknown Origin / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Paraganglioma / complications*
  • Paraganglioma / diagnosis
  • Retroperitoneal Neoplasms / complications*
  • Retroperitoneal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed