Diffuse Ganglioneuromatosis of the Colon Presenting as a Large Subepithelial Tumor in Adults: Report of Two Cases

Diffuse intestinal ganglioneuromatosis. A post mortem diagnosed challenging case

Intestinal ganglioneuromatosis (GN) is a benign disease of the autonomic nervous system characterized by hyperplasia of intramural plexuses of the gastrointestinal tract and enteric nerve fibers. Next, we expose an intestinal ganglioneuromatosis case that was difficult to diagnose despite an exhaustive evaluation, for further understanding of the disease.

Colonic Ganglioneuroma: A Combined Single-Institution Experience and Review of the Literature of Forty-Three Patients

Ganglioneuromas (GNs) are rare, benign tumors composed of ganglion cells, nerve fibers, and glial cells. Three types of colonic GN lesions exist: polypoid GNs, ganglioneuromatous polyposis, and diffuse ganglioneuromatosis. Less than 100 cases of GN are documented in the literature. A 10-year retrospective search of the pathology database at our institution identified eight cases of colonic GNs. All cases were incidental. Seven of the eight cases presented with colonoscopy findings of small sessile polyps (ranging between 0.1 and 0.7 cm) treated with polypectomy, whereas one case showed a 4 cm partially circumferential and partially obstructing mass in the ascending colon, treated with right hemicolectomy. Almost two-thirds of the cases (5/8) demonstrated associated diverticulosis. All cases were positive for S100 protein and Synaptophysin via immunohistochemistry (IHC). No syndromic association was identified in any of the cases. We also conducted a comprehensive review using PubMed to identify cases of colonic GN reported in the literature. In total, 173 studies were retrieved, among which 36 articles met our inclusion criteria (35 patients and 3 cases on animals). We conclude that while most GNs are incidental and solitary small sessile lesions, many can be diffuse and associated with syndromes. In these cases, the tumor can result in bowel obstruction simulating adenocarcinoma.

Intestinal Ganglioneuromatosis in a Pediatric Patient Presenting as Perforation: A Case Report and Literature Review

Intestinal ganglioneuromatosis is an extremely rare condition, particularly in pediatric patients, and the imaging features of the disease have been rarely reported before. Herein, we present a pediatric case of intestinal ganglioneuromatosis involving the transverse colon and splenic flexure with bowel perforation, which is a rare initial manifestation of the disease.

Incidental Delayed Diagnosis of Isolated Diffuse Ganglioneuromatosis Caused the Death of a 6-Year-Old Boy: Case Report

Intestinal diffuse ganglioneuromatosis is a rare, benign, neoplastic condition characterized by disseminated proliferation of neural elements. It has an established association with several systemic disorders including: multiple endocrine neoplasia IIB (MEN IIB) and von Recklinghausen's disease. However, isolated GNs are very rare and sporadic. We report a case of a 6-year-old patient was referred to the emergency department due to a colon perforation during endoscopy. He then underwent sigmoidectomy and the pathologic studies revealed prominent signs of diffuse ganglioneuromatosis. Unfortunately, the patient died the day after because of the late diagnosis and treatment. Such presentation emphasizes the importance of considering diffuse ganglioneuromatosis, among other causes, in patients with intractable GI symptoms despite medical treatment.

Incidental Ascending Colon Ganglioneuroma in the Setting of Hematochezia

Ganglioneuromas are slow-growing hamartomatous tumors that are rarely found in the colon. There are three subtypes of ganglioneuromas: polypoid ganglioneuroma, ganglioneuromatous polyposis, and diffuse ganglioneuromatosis. They are differentiated depending on their endoscopic and histological characteristics. Patients with colonic ganglioneuroma may present with nonspecific symptoms; however, they are usually asymptomatic. We present a case of hematochezia, where an ascending colon ganglioneuroma was found incidentally on diagnostic colonoscopy. We will explain how to distinguish the three subtypes of ganglioneuroma on colonoscopy and will mention the genetic disorders associated with them. We will also discuss the treatment of ganglioneuromas.

Endoscopic Treatment of Solitary Colonic Ganglioneuroma

Ganglioneuromas (GNs) in adults are uncommon clinical entities, especially in the colon. Patients with GNs without multiple endocrine neoplasia or neurofibromatosis-I are normally asymptomatic; however, GNs can present with abdominal pain, weight loss, bleeding, and anemia, depending on the size and location. Here, we present a case of solitary colonic GN treated with endoscopic mucosal resection. A 40-year-old Japanese outpatient with a positive fecal occult blood test visited our hospital. We performed diagnostic colonoscopy, which revealed a polyp of 15-mm diameter in the ascending colon. Electromagnetic resonance imaging was performed, and the histological examination revealed benign polypoid spindle-cell proliferation, ganglion cells, and thick nerve bundles, which was positive for S-100 protein immunoreactivity consistent with GN.

Diffuse Intestinal Ganglioneuromatosis Showing Multiple Large Bowel Ulcers in a Patient with Neurofibromatosis Type 1

A 67-year-old Japanese man with neurofibromatosis type 1 underwent right hemicolectomy owing to abscess formation around the cecum. A pathological analysis revealed diffuse intestinal ganglioneuromatosis in the cecum and colon. Colonoscopy performed eight months after hemicolectomy revealed multiple ulcers throughout the colon and rectum. The colorectal ulcers failed to respond to conservative treatment and ultimately required surgical resection. Diffuse ganglioneuromatosis was observed again in the resected specimen. This report illustrates a rare manifestation of diffuse intestinal ganglioneuromatosis in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1.