Primary gallbladder paraganglioma: a case report

Paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine neoplasms arising from neural crest cells. Among these, primary gallbladder paragangliomas are extremely rare and are typically discovered incidentally during cholecystectomy. This case report describes a 37-year-old female presenting with biliary colic, who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which revealed a microscopic focus of paraganglioma. Immunohistochemical findings confirmed its benign, parasympathetic nature. Unlike sympathetic paragangliomas, these tumors are non-functioning and effectively managed with surgical resection. This case emphasizes the importance of considering gallbladder paragangliomas in differential diagnoses of biliary lesions and underscores the importance of further research into their pathogenesis, hereditary implications, and optimal management strategies.