Endoscopic resection of gangliocytic paraganglioma of the minor duodenal papilla: case report and review

Duodenal Gangliocytic Paragangliomas-Case Series and Literature Review

Duodenal gangliocytic paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors primarily localized in the periampullary area. Though mostly asymptomatic, they can present with various symptoms, most often jaundice, anemia and abdominal pain. The present paper is a case series report, describing our personal experience with patients presenting to the Emergency Unit with different symptoms due to duodenal gangliocytic paraganglioma. Endoscopic resection is safe and indicated in most of the cases, being also associated with lower medical costs. EUS plays a central role in the pre-resection management and in surveillance, and immunostaining is decisive to ascertain the tumor histologic origin. In addition to reporting our experience, we researched the literature regarding these rare tumors and performed a comprehensive review.

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection of Adenocarcinoma at the Minor Duodenal Papilla: A Case Report and Suggestions for the Optimal Treatment Strategy

We herein report an extremely rare case of adenocarcinoma of the minor duodenal papilla (MiDP) which was successfully treated by endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). An asymptomatic 84-year-old man underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, which revealed a slightly elevated lesion at the MiDP. The biopsy findings were suggestive of adenocarcinoma. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance images and endoscopic ultrasonography did not reveal pancreatic tumor infiltration nor any apparent distant metastases. Therefore, we treated the lesion using EMR with complete resection. No recurrence or metastasis has been detected at 13 months after EMR. Total resection of the MiDP can thus serve as a relatively safe and simple treatment.

Gangliocytic Paraganglioma: A Rare Etiology of Obstructive Jaundice

BACKGROUND Gangliocytic paraganglioma is an extremely rare tumor, with only 263 reported cases. This tumor has heterogeneous clinical presentation, with gastrointestinal bleeding being the most common. However, jaundice is a relatively unusual presentation, seen in less than 5% of all cases. CASE REPORT We report the case of a 32-year-old man who presented with abdominal pain and jaundice. He reported having similar episodes of this pain recently, but they were milder in severity. On examination, there was a tenderness in the right upper quadrant with a positive Murphy sign. Laboratory investigation revealed total bilirubin of 3.6 mg/dL with a direct bilirubin of 3.0 mg/dL, alkaline phosphatase of 323 IU/L, and g-glutamyltransferase level of 1153 IU/L, giving the impression of obstructive jaundice. The abdominal ultrasound examination revealed a normal common bile duct diameter with no thickening or pericholecystic fluid noted. Subsequently, the patient underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, which revealed a mass in the second part of the duodenum. Histopathological examination of biopsy specimens obtained by fine-needle biopsy revealed an unencapsulated submucosal lesion with epithelioid, spindle, and ganglion cells. The spindle cells expressed positive immunohistochemical staining for S100, synaptophysin, and chromogranin. These findings were consistent with the diagnosis of gangliocytic paraganglioma. Surgical resection of the tumor was advised. However, the patient refused the operation despite the recommendation of the oncology team. CONCLUSIONS Gangliocytic paraganglioma is a very rare tumor that may present with a clinical picture mimicking a biliary disease. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for duodenal lesions in patients presenting with obstructive jaundice with no evidence of biliary stones.

Periampullary Gangliocytic Paraganglioma

BACKGROUND

Gangliocytic paraganglioma (GP) is rare and difficult to be differentiated from other periampullary neoplasms. The clinical characteristics and optimal treatment of periampullary GPs have not been clarified.

METHODS

The data pool for the analysis comprised of cases of periampullary GP encountered in our institution and sporadic cases reported in the English literature.

RESULTS

A total of 117 cases with periampullary GP were studied, including 2 from our institute, and among them, duodenal GP was the most common (53.0%). GP size ranged from 0.7 to 19.0 cm, with a median of 2.2 cm. The most common presenting symptom for overall periampullary GPs was epigastric pain in 49.5% cases, followed by gastrointestinal bleeding in 35.4% cases. Most (84.1%) of the periampullary GPs were benign, whereas 15.9% were malignant. Metastasis was noted in 26.3% of periampullary GPs, with 14.5% showing lymph node metastasis and 1.8% showing liver metastasis. Of the periampullary GP cases included, 30.1% were treated with pancreaticoduodenectomy, 40.6% with local excision, and 17.7% with endoscopic resection.

CONCLUSIONS

Periampullary GP should be considered as a tumor with malignant potential. Endoscopic resection is the treatment of choice for most of the duodenal GPs, whereas pancreaticoduodenectomy is recommended for GPs with possible malignancy, such as large size, with submucosal invasion, or pancreatic GP.

Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) of the Minor Papilla/Ampulla: Analysis of 16 Cases Underlines Homology With Major Ampulla NETs and Differences From Extra-Ampullary Duodenal NETs

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the minor papilla/ampulla (MIPA) are rare and poorly studied. Only individual case reports and no comprehensive analysis are available from the literature. We collected 16 MIPA NETs and investigated their clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical features, including markers such as somatostatin, pancreatic polypeptide, gastrin, serotonin, MUC1, cytokeratin 7, and somatostatin receptors type 2A and 5. The median age at diagnosis was 57.5 years, and the female-to-male ratio was 2.2:1. The median NET size was 1.45 cm, and most (94%) were low-grade (G1) tumors. Similarly to what was observed in the major ampulla, 3 histotypes were found: (i) ampullary-type somatostatin-producing tumors (ASTs, 10 cases), characterized by somatostatin expression in most tumor cells, focal-to-extensive tubulo-acinar structures, often with psammoma bodies, MUC1 reactivity, and no or rare membranous reactivity for somatostatin receptor type 2A; (ii) gangliocytic paragangliomas (3 cases), characterized by the coexistence of 3 tumor cell types: epithelioid, often reactive for pancreatic polypeptide, ganglion-like cells, and S100 reactive sustentacular/stromal cells; and (iii) ordinary nonfunctioning NETs (3 cases), resembling those more commonly observed in the extra-ampullary duodenum. Comparable histotypes could also be recognized among the 30 MIPA NETs from the literature. No NET-related patient death among MIPA cases was observed during a median follow-up of 38 months; however, MIPA ASTs showed lymph node metastases and invasion of the duodenal muscularis propria or beyond in 44% and 40% of cases, respectively. In conclusion, MIPA NETs closely resemble tumors arising in the major ampulla, with predominance of ASTs.

A Case of Concurrent Ampullary Adenoma and Gangliocytic Paraganglioma at the Minor Papilla Treated with Endoscopic Resection

A gangliocytic paraganglioma is a benign tumor of the digestive system with a very low incidence. The tumor is histopathologically characterized by a triphasic pattern consisting of epithelioid, ganglion, and spindle-shaped Schwann cells. In most cases, it occurs in the second portion of the duodenum near the ampulla of Vater. We report a case of a gangliocytic paraganglioma occurring at the minor duodenal papilla (a rare location) with a concurrent adenoma of the ampulla of Vater. Both lesions were treated simultaneously using endoscopic resection. Additionally, we have presented a literature review.

Neural and neurogenic tumours of the gastroenteropancreaticobiliary tract

Neural lesions occur uncommonly in the gastroenteropancreaticobiliary tract. However, due to the growing number of screening colonoscopy procedures, polypoid neural lesions of the colon are being recognised increasingly and range from benign tumours to high-grade malignant neoplasms. Morphological variability of neural tumours can be wide, although some entities share pathological features, and, as such, these lesions can be diagnostically challenging. We review the spectrum of pathology of neural tumours in the gastroenteropancreaticobiliary tract, with the goal of providing a practical approach for practising surgical pathologists.

Gangliocytic Paraganglioma of the Minor Papilla of the Duodenum

A duodenal polyp was found during a health check of a 71-year-old asymptomatic man. Duodenoscopy demonstrated a pedunculated, smooth-surfaced tumor of 18 mm in size, protruding from the minor papilla. Endoscopic ultrasonography demonstrated a homogeneously low-echoic submucosal tumor. Enhanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a well-enhanced duodenal tumor without obvious metastasis. A tumor biopsy revealed a well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor, and laparotomic transduodenal polypectomy with regional lymph node dissection was performed. The histology of the surgical specimen revealed gangliocytic paraganglioma consisting of three cell types: endocrine, ganglion, and spindle cells. There has been no recurrence in >5 years after surgery.

A Unique Case of an Aggressive Gangliocytic Paraganglioma of the Filum Terminale

Paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors that are mostly found in the head and neck. Even less common are gangliocytic variant paragangliomas of the spine for which there are only 7 other documented cases in the literature. We report a case of gangliocytic paraganglioma of the sacral spine in a 68-year-old man. The growth pattern is documented over three years, which to our knowledge has not previously been reported in the literature and is different from the natural history. Clinical, radiological, and pathological characteristics of the tumor are discussed in light of available reports of this rare tumor.

Gangliocytic Paraganglioma With Atypical Immunohistochemical Features Presenting as Extrahepatic Biliary Obstruction

Gangliocytic paraganglioma is a rare benign tumor of upper gastrointestinal tract that most commonly involves the second part of duodenum. The tumor is detected incidentally on imaging in most of the cases. However, presentation with extrahepatic biliary obstruction is extremely rare. We recently encountered a 50-year-old male patient who was evaluated for extrahepatic biliary obstruction and was found to have a periampullary mass on imaging. The patient underwent pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy along with liver biopsy and hepatoduodenal lymph node dissection. On histopathological examination, a tumor was detected in the periampullary region of duodenum, which was confirmed to be gangliocytic paraganglioma on immunohistochemistry along with atypical histological and immunohistochemical features.

Primary adenocarcinoma of the minor duodenal papilla with mass-forming chronic pancreatitis: report of a case

A 70-year-old male was treated for gastric ulcers. Follow-up upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed an irregular, elevated tumor in the second portion of the duodenum. Upon pathological inspection of a biopsy specimen, a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma was made, and the patient was admitted to our hospital. Computed tomography showed an irregular mass in the pancreatic head and dilatation of the main pancreatic duct and bile duct. Pancreatic head carcinoma with infiltration of the duodenum was diagnosed, and pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed. A histopathological examination of the resected specimen showed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma in the minor duodenal papilla and chronic pancreatitis in the pancreatic head. Therefore, primary adenocarcinoma of the minor duodenal papilla with mass-forming chronic pancreatitis was diagnosed. Currently, the patient is alive without recurrence 17 months after the surgery. Primary adenocarcinoma of the minor duodenal papilla is extremely rare. We herein report this case, and also provide a review of the literature.

Duodenal subepithelial hyperechoic lesions of the third layer: Not always a lipoma

Endoscopic ultrasonography is the most accurate procedure for the evaluation of subepithelial lesions. The finding of a homogeneous, hyperechoic, well-delimited lesion, originating from the third layer of the gastrointestinal tract (submucosa) suggests a benign tumor, generally lipoma. As other differential diagnoses have not been reported, echoendoscopists might not pursue a definitive pathological diagnosis or follow-up the patient. This case series aims to broaden the spectrum of differential diagnosis for duodenal hyperechoic third layer subepithelial lesions by providing four different and relevant pathologies with this echoendoscopic pattern.

Adenocarcinoma of the minor duodenal papilla treated with pancreas-sparing segmental duodenectomy: case report and review of the literature

Carcinoma of the minor duodenal papilla is extremely rare. We present the case of a 69-year-old man diagnosed with a tumor of the second portion of the duodenum by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, which revealed a 1.5-cm elevated tumor with slight ulceration at the minor duodenal papilla. Biopsy revealed adenocarcinoma, and a computed tomography scan showed an enhanced tumor in the duodenum, with no abnormality in the pancreatic head. A pancreas-sparing segmental duodenectomy was performed, and the duodenum reconstructed with an end-to-end anastomosis. Microscopically, the tumor was a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, with no infiltration at the cut end of the accessory pancreatic duct. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient discharged on postoperative day 11. We reviewed previously reported cases of carcinoma of the minor duodenal papilla. Early and exact preoperative diagnosis of duodenal neoplasms makes it possible to select a less invasive treatment, which also maintains curability.

Literature survey on epidemiology and pathology of gangliocytic paraganglioma

BACKGROUND

Although gangliocytic paraganglioma (GP) has generally been regarded as a neuroendocrine tumor, its origin remains unclear. We therefore aimed to investigate the details of this disease by carefully analyzing and extracting common features of the disease as presented in selected publications.

METHODS

We searched for English and Japanese cases of GP using the PubMed and IgakuChuoZasshi databases on August 2010. We then extracted and sampled raw data from the selected publications and performed appropriate statistical analyses. Additionally, we evaluated the expression of hormone receptors based on our previously reported case.

RESULTS

192 patients with GP were retrieved from the databases. Patient ages ranged from 15 y to 84 y (mean: 52.3 y). The gender ratio was 114:76 (male to female, 2 not reported). Maximum diameter of the tumors ranged from 5.5 mm to 100 mm (mean: 25.0 mm). The duodenum (90.1%, 173/192) was found to be the most common site of the disease. In 173 patients with duodenal GP, gastrointestinal bleeding (45.1%, 78/173) was found to be the most common symptom of the disease, followed by abdominal pain (42.8%, 74/173), and anemia (14.5%, 25/173). Rate of lymph node metastasis was 6.9% (12/173). Our statistical analysis indicated that significant differences were found for gender between GP within the submucosal layer and exceeding the submucosal layer. Furthermore, our immunohistochemical evaluation showed that both epithelioid and pancreatic islet cells showed positive reactivity for progesterone receptors.

CONCLUSIONS

Our literature survey revealed that there were many more cases of GP exceeding the submucosal layer than were expected. Meanwhile, our statistical analyses and immunohistochemical evaluation supported the following two hypotheses. First, vertical growth of GP might be affected by progesterone exposure. Second, the origin of GP might be pancreatic islet cells. However, it is strongly suspected that our data have been affected by publication bias and to confirm these hypotheses, further investigation is required.

Endoscopic resection of minor papilla adenomas (with video)

BACKGROUND

Although there are several large series on endoscopic resection of the major duodenal papilla, only commentary on individual cases has been presented on endoscopic minor papilla resection.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the technical success and safety of endoscopy for resection of minor papilla adenomas.

DESIGN

Observational study.

SETTING

Academic tertiary-referral center.

PATIENTS

Consecutive patients referred for endoscopic resection of minor papilla adenomas over a 12-month period.

INTERVENTIONS

All patients underwent an EUS before an ERCP to exclude ductal involvement by the tumor and for evaluation of pancreatic-ductal anatomy. The minor papilla was removed by snare electrocautery in all patients. A pancreatic stent was placed in the dorsal duct in patients with pancreas divisum as a prophylaxis for post-ERCP pancreatitis. Complications were assessed per consensus criteria.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

To evaluate the technical success and safety of endoscopy for resection of minor papilla adenomas.

OBSERVATIONS

Three patients underwent endoscopic resection of minor papilla adenomas over a 12-month period. The first patient had minor papilla adenoma, the second had coexisting pancreas divisum anatomy, and the third had adenomatous involvement of both the major and minor papillas. Minor papilla resection was technically successful in all 3 patients, with dual major and minor papilla resection in 1 patient who had adenomatous changes at both sites. Although 2 patients experienced no complications, the patient with pancreas divisum developed mild post-ERCP pancreatitis. At a 12-month follow-up, there was no evidence of tumor recurrence in any of the 3 patients.

LIMITATION

Small number of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In experienced hands, endoscopic resection of the minor papilla is technically feasible, safe, and is associated with favorable clinical outcomes.

Primary adenocarcinoma of the minor duodenal papilla

A 70-year-old man was admitted to our institution due to aggravation of blood-sugar level control and because an abdominal CT showed dilatation of the main pancreatic duct. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a flat elevated tumor with central ulceration in the second portion of the duodenum. Subsequent duodenoscopy for a more detailed examination showed that the tumor had originated in the minor duodenal papilla. A biopsy specimen showed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography via the major duodenal papilla revealed a slightly dilated main pancreatic duct and obstruction of the accessory pancreatic duct. Endoscopic ultrasonography showed a hypoechoic mass in the minor duodenal papilla with retention of the muscularis propria of the duodenum. These findings suggest that the tumor existed only to a limited extent in the minor duodenal papilla, and that the tumor did not infiltrate into the pancreas. For treatment, pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy was performed, and histological findings revealed a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma that originated in the minor duodenal papilla. Primary adenocarcinoma of the minor duodenal papilla is extremely rare. Our case is the first report of primary adenocarcinoma of the minor duodenal papilla at an early stage with no infiltration into muscularis propria of the duodenum and pancreas.

Adenocarcinoma of the minor duodenal papilla with intraepithelial spread to the pancreatic duct

It is extremely rare to encounter tumors arising exclusively in the minor duodenal papilla. We report a 60-year-old male patient with a polypoid type of adenocarcinoma of the minor papilla. Preoperative examinations, including computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), suggested pancreas divisum and showed a series of stones in the dorsal pancreatic duct. The patient underwent subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (SSpPD). On histology, an adenocarcinoma was located in the minor papilla, which was limited to the mucosa, without invasion of the duodenum, sphincter muscles of the minor papilla, or the underlying pancreas. The carcinoma cells, together with dysplastic and hyperplastic epithelium of the pancreatic duct, extended peripherally within the pancreatic duct. No cystic dilatation of the pancreatic duct was observed. The ventral pancreatic duct was short and narrow; there was evidence of chronic pancreatitis in the dorsal pancreas, whereas the ventral pancreas was almost normal, suggesting the existence of pancreas divisum. Although it is well known that adenocarcinoma of the duodenal papilla is sometimes accompanied by intraepithelial spread in the pancreatic duct, an adenocarcinoma arising in the minor papilla in this case with pancreas divisum was more extended than our thoughts.

Endoscopic resection of a duodenal gangliocytic paraganglioma

A gangliocytic paraganglioma (GP) is an extremely rare neurogenic tumor nearly located in the second portion of the duodenum and has been regarded as benign. We report a case of duodenal GP in a 53-year-old man. The GP arose in the second portion of the duodenum and was shown by histological examination to consist of epithelioid cells, spindle cells, and ganglion-like cells. An endoscopic ultrasonography showed a round, well-demarcated, inhomogeneous, submucosal tumor in the 3rd-4th layer. We resected it by endoscopic mucosal resection.

Role of CCK/gastrin receptors in gastrointestinal/metabolic diseases and results of human studies using gastrin/CCK receptor agonists/antagonists in these diseases

In this paper, the established and possible roles of CCK1 and CCK2 receptors in gastrointestinal (GI) and metabolic diseases are reviewed and available results from human agonist/antagonist studies are discussed. While there is evidence for the involvement of CCK1R in numerous diseases including pancreatic disorders, motility disorders, tumor growth, regulation of satiety and a number of CCK-deficient states, the role of CCK1R in these conditions is not clearly defined. There are encouraging data from several clinical studies of CCK1R antagonists in some of these conditions, but their role as therapeutic agents remains unclear. The role of CCK2R in physiological (atrophic gastritis, pernicious anemia) and pathological (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome) hypergastrinemic states, its effects on the gastric mucosa (ECL cell hyperplasia, carcinoids, parietal cell mass) and its role in acid-peptic disorders are clearly defined. Furthermore, recent studies point to a possible role for CCK2R in a number of GI malignancies. Current data from human studies of CCK2R antagonists are presented and their potential role in the treatment of these conditions reviewed. Furthermore, the role of CCK2 receptors as targets for medical imaging is discussed.

Duodenal gangliocytic paraganglioma: a radiological-pathological correlation

Duodenal gangliocytic paraganglioma is a rare tumor that characteristically occurs in the second portion of the duodenum and typically presents with gastrointestinal bleeding. Gangliocytic paragangliomas have a characteristic triphasic microscopic appearance with epithelioid cells, spindle cells, and ganglion cells, resulting in a complex histology with features of paraganglioma, carcinoid, and ganglioneuroma. Duodenal gangliocytic paragangliomas have an excellent prognosis after surgical resection but metastatic spread to regional lymph nodes and recurrence may rarely occur. We report a case of duodenal gangliocytic paraganglioma and discuss the radiological and pathological differential diagnosis of this rare entity.

Gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma

The connection between Helicobacter pylori and gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is well established. H. pylori infection causes an immunological response, leading to chronic gastritis with formation of lymphoid follicles within the stomach. These lymphoid follicles resemble nodal tissues found throughout the body and are composed of reactive T cells and activated plasmal cells and B cells. The B cells are responsible for initiating a clonal expansion of centrocyte-like cells that form the basic histology of MALT lymphoma. Early diagnosis of MALT lymphoma is difficult but essential for adequate treatment. Clinical symptoms are vague and varied, with abdominal pain being a common presenting complaint. The endoscopic appearance of this tumor is varied and can be infiltrative, exophytic, or ulcerative. In addition, the tumor can have a multifocal distribution, and therefore aggressive tissue sampling is crucial for diagnosis. Endoscopic ultrasound is essential to document the extent of disease and is more accurate than CT scan in detection of spread to perigastric lymph nodes. Lesions that are confined to the mucosa or submucosa of the gastric wall are believed to be dependent on H. pylori stimulation and therefore can be successfully treated with H. pylori eradication. Those MALT lymphomas that present at more advanced stages require more aggressive management and can be treated with surgical resection, radiation, or chemotherapy. Follow-up is critical in all patients who have been treated with H. pylori eradication and consists of multiple endoscopic biopsies for histological and molecular studies as well as endoscopic ultrasound at 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. The reappearance of MALT lymphomas has been seen years after treatment, and therefore follow-up of these patients should be indefinite.