[Ganglioneuroma revealed by complicated nephritic colic]

Rare adrenal incidentaloma: ganglioneuroma

Ganglioneuroma (GN) is a rare, benign neurogenic tumor that develops from sympathetic ganglion cells. It occurs mainly in the retroperitoneal region. Adrenal localization is rare. We report a case of adrenal ganglioneuroma in a 22-year-old woman with no previous history of the disease. The tumor was discovered incidentally on an entero scan ordered as part of the etiological assessment for chronic diarrhea. The diagnosis was confirmed by pathological examination.

Retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma: A five-case series from a single Tunisian center

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma is an infrequent, benign tumor originating from the sympathetic nervous system. The diagnosis predominantly relies on histological assessment, often as an incidental discovery. Surgical removal stands as the primary treatment modality, and the overall prognosis tends to be favorable.

CASE PRESENTATION

Objective: In order to comprehensively examine the diagnostic, therapeutic, and progressive aspects of retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma, this study aims to analyze five cases of retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma that were surgically managed between 1993 and 2013.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We present a series of five cases involving retroperitoneal ganglioneuromas that underwent surgical intervention in the urology department of Charles Nicolle Teaching Hospital of Tunis between the years 1993 and 2013. The study cohort comprised three females and two males, with an average age of 36.4 years (ranging from 10 to 88 years). Among these cases, four instances showcased incidental tumor detection, while one case manifested with cruralgia due to nerve compression. Complete tumor excision was achieved in all cases, with a single instance necessitating concurrent nephrectomy. Accurate diagnosis was ascertained through meticulous histological examination.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Results: The case series encompassed three women and two men, with an average age of 36.4 years (ranging from 10 to 88 years). The majority of cases (four out of five) unveiled tumors incidentally, whereas one case presented with cruralgia. Surgical removal resulted in complete resection of all tumors, although nephrectomy was necessary in one instance. Postoperative complications were minimal, and effective anticoagulant treatment addressed one thrombotic event. While recurrence was noted in a solitary case, subsequent imaging confirmed its stability. The average follow-up duration extended to 23.2 months (ranging from 6 to 72 months).

CONCLUSION

Retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma, being a rare and benign neoplasm, mandates meticulous pathological assessment and precise imaging for precise localization. Unquestionably, complete surgical resection remains paramount to forestall recurrence and mitigate the likelihood of malignant transformation. Overall, the prognosis associated with retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma tends to be favorable.

[Hepatic cytolysis revealing adrenal ganglioneuroma]

Le ganglioneurome est une tumeur nerveuse bénigne rare, d'origine neuroectodermique et de localisation rétropéritonéale fréquente. Nous rapportons l'observation d'un patient de 55 ans dont la tumeur est révélée fortuitement sur une échographie abdominale demandée dans le cadre d'une cytolyse hépatique secondaire à une hépatite virale C. Le patient est opéré après la réalisation d'un scanner abdominal et d'un bilan hormonal. L'examen anatomopathologique de la pièce opératoire est en faveur d'un ganglioneurome. Devant une volumineuse masse rétropéritonéale avec état général conservé, on doit envisager le diagnostic de ganglioneurome car l'exérèse chirurgicale complète permet une guérison sans récidive. Préalablement, l'ensemble des autres diagnostics différentiels doit être éliminé.