Walsh & Hoyt: Intravagal Paragangliomas

Intravagal paraganglia cannot be distinguished from branchiomeric paraganglia by histologic features, ultrastructure, or cytochemical analysis. Nevertheless, because they are not intimately associated with arteries, they are considered a distinct group. These paraganglia are typically located within the perineurium of the vagus nerve, just beneath the nerve sheath or between nerve fibers. They are usually extremely small and located within or adjacent to the jugular or nodose ganglia of the nerve. Intravagal paragangliomas are rare neoplasms that typically arise from the paraganglionic cells located at or just distal to the nodose ganglion of the vagus nerve.