Paragangliomas (extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas) are rare tumours that arise from extra adrenal chromaffin cells. Paragangliomas originate from para-ganglia at number of anatomical sites, including the head, neck, thorax and abdomen. Paragangliomas are characterized by secretions of excessive catecholamines. However, between 40 and 50% of paragangliomas are non-functional and/or potentially functional. Functional and potentially functional (difficult to diagnose preoperatively) paragangliomas during intraoperative handling of the tumour may cause a sudden release of catecholamines, leading to disastrous consequences [1]. We present a case of a middle aged male presenting with abdominal mass and pain was found to be a potentially functional paraganglioma intraoperatively. With this report we aim to raise awareness that a paraganglioma should be considered in differential diagnosis for intraabdominal tumours.

Keywords: Hypertensive crisis; Pheochromocytoma; Paraganglioma.