Ampullary gangliocytic paraganglioma with lymph node metastasis: A case report with literature review

Gangliocytic Paraganglioma of the Duodenum: A Masquerader

Background: Gangliocytic paraganglioma (GP) is a rare tumor that most commonly arises from the duodenum and is characterized pathologically by 3 cell types: epithelioid, spindle, and ganglion cells. GP is often difficult to differentiate from a neuroendocrine tumor on the basis of preoperative imaging, and the diagnosis is based on final histopathologic and immunohistochemical analysis. Case Report: We report the case of a 28-year-old male who presented with pain in the abdomen, bilious vomiting, and weight loss. Imaging showed a mass involving the first and second part of the duodenum that was likely a neuroendocrine or gastrointestinal stromal tumor. He underwent robotic-assisted pancreatoduodenectomy, and the final pathology report identified GP with lymph node metastasis. The patient was doing well at 1-year follow-up. Conclusion: GP is often a histologic surprise as most cases are diagnosed in postoperative histopathology. While GP has a more benign course than a neuroendocrine tumor, radical surgical resection is warranted in cases of diagnostic dilemma, suspicion of malignancy, or lymph node metastasis. Robotic-assisted pancreatoduodenectomy is a feasible option.

Ampullary Large-Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma, a Diagnostic Challenge of a Rare Aggressive Neoplasm: A Case Report and Literature Review

Ampullary large-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNECs) are extremely rare, and available data are limited on case reports. They present with jaundice, non-specific abdominal pain, or weight loss, imitating adenocarcinoma. Their incidence increases due to the improved diagnostic techniques. However, preoperative diagnosis remains challenging. We report the case of a 70-year-old man with a history of metabolic syndrome, cholecystectomy, and right hemicolectomy, presenting with jaundice. Laboratory results showed increased liver biochemistry indicators and elevated CA 19-9. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed an ulcerative tumor on the ampulla of Vater, and the biopsy revealed neuroendocrine carcinoma. Although computed tomography (CT) detected enlarged regional lymph nodes, the positron emission tomography (PET) showed a hyperactive lesion only in this area. Pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy with R0 resection was performed. Pathologic evaluation of the 3.1 × 1.9 cm tumor revealed an LCNEC with immunohistochemical positivity at Synaptophysin, EMA, CD56, and cytokeratin CK8/18. The Ki-67 index was 45%. Two out of the nine dissected lymph nodes were occupied by the neoplasm. The patient was discharged home free of symptoms, and adjuvant chemotherapy with carboplatin + etoposide was initiated. A comprehensive review of the reported cases showed that the preoperative biopsy result was different from the final diagnosis in few cases, regarding the subtypes. Conventional radiology cannot identify small masses, and other methods, such as endoscopy, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and FDG-PET scan, might aid the diagnosis. Diagnosis is based on histology and immunohistochemical markers of the surgical specimens. The treatment of choice is pancreatoduodenectomy, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. However, recurrence is frequent, and the prognosis remains poor.