Benign paraspinal ganglioneuroma with paraneoplastic opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome

Opsoclonus-myoclonus-ataxia syndrome (OMAS) is a rare immune-mediated movement disorder occurring as a paraneoplastic manifestation of neuroblastic tumours (NTs), especially neuroblastoma in infancy. Ganglioneuroma (GN), the benign tumour in the spectrum, is rarely associated with OMAS. We report the case of a child in her second year of life presenting with acute onset of progressive paraplegia and OMAS. MRI showed diffuse and infiltrating left paraspinal mass from T3-T9 levels with differentials of neuroblastoma or ganglioneuroblastoma. Histopathological and immunohistochemistry examination of the excised tumour showed maturing GN. The OMAS was managed with intravenous immunoglobulin and steroids. In the 6-month follow-up, the child has a residual motor weakness with myelomalacia in neuroimaging. The case report substantiates the occurrence of OMAS as paraneoplastic manifestation in NTs, including benign, in children younger than 2 years with a female predilection.

Ganglioneuroma Arising in Congenital Melanocytic Nevus in a Patient with Cardiac Anomalies: A Case Report

A congenital melanocytic nevus is a benign melanocyte proliferation, that may be complicated by malignant transformation. We are reporting a three-year-old girl, who had a giant congenital melanocytic nevus on her back, that was treated by serial surgical excisions with tissue expander insertion. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of congenital melanocytic nevus with ganglioneuroma. Out of approximately 250 case reports on congenital melanocytic nevus, we identified only two reports of medium/large congenital melanocytic nevus with cutaneous ganglioneuroma. Due to the potential malignant transformation of congenital melanocytic nevus, reporting the features and characteristics of such rare findings may help in further understanding congenital melanocytic nevus, its associations, and prognosis.

Anti-metabolic glutamate receptor 5 encephalitis with gangliocytoma: a case and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

There are very limited reports on anti-metabolic glutamate receptor5 (mGluR5) encephalitis, especially lacking of pediatric research. The disease was mostly accompanied by tumors, mainly Hodgkin's lymphoma. No reports of other tumors, such as gangliocytoma have been reported to associate with anti-mGluR5 encephalitis so far.

CASE PRESENTATION AND LITERATURE REVIEWS

We reported a case of a 12-year-old boy with anti-mGluR5 encephalitis complicated with gangliocytoma. The patient suffered from mental disorders including auditory hallucination, and sleep disorders. His cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an abnormality in the right insular lobe. Autoimmune encephalitis antibodies testing was positive for mGluR5 IgG antibody both in cerebrospinal fluid and serum (1:3.2, 1:100 respectively). Abdominal CT indicated a mass in left retroperitoneal confirmed with gangliocytoma via pathology. The patient underwent resection of gangliocytoma. After first-line immunotherapy (glucocorticoid, gamma globulin), his condition was improved. Furthermore, we provide a summary of 6 pediatric cases of Anti-mGluR5 encephalitis. Most of them complicated with Hodgkin's lymphoma, except the case currently reported comorbid with gangliocytoma. The curative effect is satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the first patient with anti-mGlur5 encephalitis complicated with gangliocytoma. It suggests that in addition to paying attention to the common lymphoma associated with anti-mGlur5 encephalitis, we should also screen the possibility of other tumors for early detection of the cause, active treatment and prevention of recurrence.

Composite pheochromocytoma of the adrenal gland-a review of published cases

Composite pheochromocytoma (CP) is a rare adrenal tumor, composed of ordinary pheochromocytoma and neuroblastic components. There is a paucity of information in the literature regarding this entity. We report the case of a 56-year-old woman with a CP of the left adrenal gland with a ganglioneuroma component. A review of the published literature found 110 cases of CP. The median age was 51.5 (5.86) years, and 59/110 (53.6%) were female. Association with genetic predisposition syndromes was found in 22/110 (20%), the most common of which was neurofibromatosis type 1, in 15/110 (13.6%). The most common histologic type of the neuroblastic component was ganglioneuroma in 83/110 (75.5%). Twenty-seven cases reported SDHB immunohistochemistry results; none of which was positive. Nine patients (8.2%) presented/developed metastatic disease, and 9 patients (8.2%) died from disease. To our knowledge, this is the largest review describing clinical, histopathological, molecular, and prognostic features of CP.

Cutaneous Ganglioneuromas With Overlying Epidermal Hyperplasia: A Case Series Presentation and Proposal of Potential Etiopathogenesis

ABSTRACT

Cutaneous ganglioneuromas (GNs) are exceptionally uncommon tumors, and many reported cases describe association with overlying epidermal hyperplasia that may be interpreted as seborrheic keratosis (SK) or SK-like proliferation. We report 5 cases of cutaneous GN in adult patients; all of which were discovered incidentally in the immediate vicinity of epidermal hyperplasia. A review of the literature demonstrates the current-although likely imperfect-understanding of the etiopathogenesis of both SK and GN in the skin. We explore the putative pathophysiologies of other common, well-characterized skin lesions and, taking them into account, provide rationale for the coexistence of cutaneous GN with overlying SK and SK-like epidermal changes. However, we ultimately acknowledge a dilemma of causality and, given the rarity of their co-occurrence, objectively question whether occasional cameo appearances by GN lying subjacent to SK and SK-like hyperplasia may be due merely to chance.

A Common Tumor with an Unusual Finding: Mature Cystic Teratoma Containing a Ganglioneuroma

BACKGROUND

Ganglioneuromas (GNs) arise from peripheral or central areas of the autonomic nervous system, being benign lesions of neuroblastic origin.

CASE

A 19-year-old Greek female patient was admitted to our clinic with symptoms of periodic lower abdominal pain and irritation since some months ago. Ultrasonography revealed a mass of 72 × 68 mm originating from the left ovary giving the characteristics of a typical dermoid cyst. Laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy was done. The histological diagnosis revealed a mature cystic teratoma with a small hidden GN.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

Histology remains the gold standard for their confirmation. The coexistence of GN within a mature cystic teratoma happens extremely rarely. This is one of the few cases reported in the literature.

ROHHAD(NET) Syndrome: Systematic Review of the Clinical Timeline and Recommendations for Diagnosis and Prognosis

CONTEXT

Rapid-onset obesity with hypothalamic dysfunction, hypoventilation, autonomic dysregulation and neural crest tumor (ROHHHAD[NET]) is a rare and potentially fatal disease. No specific diagnostic biomarker is currently available, making prompt diagnosis challenging. Since its first definition in 2007, a complete clinical analysis leading to specific diagnosis and follow-up recommendations is still missing.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this work is to describe the clinical timeline of symptoms of ROHHAD(NET) and propose recommendations for diagnosis and follow-up.

DESIGN

We conducted a systematic review of all ROHHAD(NET) case studies and report a new ROHHAD patient with early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care.

METHODS

All the articles that meet the definition of ROHHAD(NET) and provide chronological clinical data were reviewed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis individual patient data guidelines. The data were grouped into 7 categories: hypothalamic dysfunction, autonomic dysregulation, hypoventilation, NET, psychiatric symptoms, other clinical manifestations, and outcome.

RESULTS

Forty-three individual patient data descriptions were analyzed. The timeline of the disease shows rapid-onset obesity followed shortly by hypothalamic dysfunction. Dysautonomia was reported at a median age of 4.95 years and hypoventilation at 5.33 years, or 2.2 years after the initial obesity. A NET was reported in 56% of the patients, and 70% of these tumors were diagnosed within 2 years after initial weight gain.

CONCLUSION

Because early diagnosis improves the clinical management and the prognosis in ROHHAD(NET), this diagnosis should be considered for any child with rapid and early obesity. We propose guidance for systematic follow-up and advise multidisciplinary management with the aim of improving prognosis and life expectancy.

Retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma combined with scoliosis: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Ganglioneuroma (GN) is a rare tumour arising from the sympathetic nervous system. GN is constantly asymptomatic, easily ignored and likely damages other organs during tumour progression.

PATIENT CONCERNS

The case report involved a 21-year-old girl who was admitted to a hospital because of a computed tomography result after her pregnancy examination showed retroperitoneal tumour and scoliosis. The scoliosis was considered as a tumour complication.

DIAGNOSES

The tumour was finally diagnosed as GN by pathological examination.

INTERVENTIONS

We carried out surgical treatment and performed a pathological examination on postoperative tumour specimens.

OUTCOMES

The patient was followed up for 19 months and did not show tumour recurrence. However, the condition of the scoliosis did not improve.

LESSONS

This paper reports a case of GN with scoliosis at the same time. GN is a benign tumour consisting of cells with a special origin. GN grows extensively and leads to different complications. Presently, pathological examination after an operation is the only approach to formulate an exact diagnosis. We should consider the possibility of retroperitoneal tumour, especially GN, if a patient suffers from scoliosis with an unknown cause. Thus, CT and MRI are needed to provide additional information that would help formulate a diagnosis.

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.

Mixed Pituitary Gangliocytoma and Prolactinoma Resistant to the Cabergoline Treatment

BACKGROUND

A gangliocytoma rarely coexists with a pituitary adenoma in a sellar lesion. Herein, we describe our experience in treating a mixed gangliocytoma and prolactinoma of the pituitary gland.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 16-year-old male presented with severe headache and vomiting. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a large pituitary tumor with hydrocephalus. Because of the increased levels of serum prolactin (PRL), we treated the patient with cabergoline, which decreased the tumor size and improved the hydrocephalus. Six months after the treatment, the tumor began to increase in size, despite the normalization of the PRL level with cabergoline treatment. An endoscopic transsphenoidal resection was performed and the tumor was mostly removed. Microscopic examination of the resected tumor showed a mixture of prototypical pituitary adenoma cells and the proliferation of mature ganglion cells. Immunohistochemistry showed that the ganglion cells were positively stained for synaptophysin, NeuN, and PRL as shown in the adenomatous component. A few cells were immunostained with both PRL and NeuN, and a few cells were immunopositive for nestin, but not PRL or synaptophysin.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings showed the existence of cells that are phenotypically intermediate between ganglion cells and adenoma cells, and the existence of stem cell-like cells, which support the hypothesis that adenoma cells can transform into ganglion cells or that both ganglion and adenoma cells derive from common stem cells. Furthermore, the ganglion cells seemed to grow rapidly and independently of dopamine, which is in contrast to prototypical prolactinoma cells.

Lhermitte-Duclos Disease in association with Cowden Syndrome

Cowden syndrome (CS) is a rare genetic disorder with autosomal dominant inheritance, linked to germline mutations in the PTEN tumor suppressor gene on chromosome 10. Cowden syndrome often co-exists with Lhermitte-Duclos disease (LDD), with LDD included as a major criterion in CD diagnosis. This case involves a woman presenting with many of the classic diagnostic criterions and associations of CD, as well as with several comorbidities and unique objective findings.

Diverse proportion in composite pheochromocytoma-ganglioneuroma may induce varied clinical symptom: comparison of two cases

Composite pheochromocytoma-ganglioneuroma is extremely rare. We described two cases of composite pheochromocytomas in the adrenal medullar. Case 1 was a 70-year-old male presenting with lower abdominal pain and normal blood electrolytes. Case 2 was a 48-year-old female with palpitation and back tenderness. Biochemical investigations showed hypocalcium, hypokalemia and high level of vma. The histological images and the immunohistochemical staining demonstrated the two cases composed of pheochromocytoma and ganglioneuromoma components. Ganglioneuroma component in case 2 accounted for more proportion than that in case 1. We speculated that the varied clinical symptoms were related with the diverse proportions in composite pheochromocytome-ganglioneuroma.

Infrasellar pituitary gangliocytoma causing Cushing's syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Pituitary gangliocytomas are uncommon neuronal tumours that may present with endocrine disorders, the most frequent being acromegaly caused by growth hormone hypersecretion. Cushing's syndrome is very rarely seen with gangliocytomas.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We report the unique case of a 62 year-old woman whose clinical picture and endocrine testing clearly demonstrated adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)-dependent Cushing's syndrome. Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging showed a 12-mm homogeneous, infra- and retrosellar mass first diagnosed as pituitary macroadenoma. Transsphenoidal surgery was performed and allowed complete resection of the tumour with sparing of normal anterior pituitary. Very low postoperative serum cortisol and ACTH levels were observed in the early postoperative period and the patient is still in remission 18 months after surgery, thus demonstrating that the resected lesion was entirely responsible for the clinical picture.

RESULTS

Histological and immunocytochemical analyses demonstrated a benign tumour composed of mature neuronal cells suggestive of a gangliocytoma, expressing both ACTH and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). The tumour was surrounded by a rim of pituitary tissue containing ACTH-producing endocrine cells. Careful analysis of the resected lesion did not reveal any pituitary microadenoma. We search literature for similar cases and retraced only nine cases of gangliocytomas associated with Cushing's syndrome. In most of them, the tumour was combined with either pituitary corticotroph adenoma or hyperplasia.

CONCLUSIONS

Our case represents a unique case of an infrasellar pituitary gangliocytoma which was able to cause Cushing's syndrome by both direct ACTH production and CRH-induced stimulation of neighbour normal corticotroph cells.

Cowden Disease with Lhermitte-Duclos Disease: Case Report

Background:

We report a case and review the recent literature describing 36 patients with both Lhermitte-Duclos disease (LDD) and Cowden disease (CD). Lhermitte-Duclos disease, or dysplastic gangliocytoma, is a benign hamartomatous condition involving the cerebellum. The presenting symptoms are usually headaches, gait ataxia, and symptoms of lower cranial nerve involvement. Cowden disease is a rare autosomal dominant disease that usually presents with multiple mucocutaneous lesions. Patients with CD are prone to multiple systemic malignancies, the most common of which is breast cancer. Recent studies have demonstrated an association between LDD and CD.

Methods:

A 44-year-old woman with a previous history of breast cancer, multiple benign skin lesions, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and chronic headaches presented with exacerbation of her headaches during the previous year. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed a right cerebellar nonenhancing mass and an acquired tonsillar herniation.

Results:

The patient underwent resection of the right cerebellar mass, posterior fossa decompression, C1 and C2 laminectomies, and a duraplasty. Pathologic examination confirmed LDD. The patient recovered well after surgery, with immediate improvement of her headaches.

Conclusion:

The association between LDD and CD has been under-recognized and under-reported. Recognition of this association has direct clinical relevance, because diligent monitoring of individuals with LDD and CD may lead to the early detection of systemic malignancies.

[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.

Coexistence of renal cell carcinoma of clear cell type with sarcomatoid cell type component and adrenal mature ganglioneuroma with myelolipoma - a case of 69-year-old female patient

This report presents a case of 69-year-old woman, who was operated due to renal tumor. Apart from renal neoplasm, the adjacent adrenal gland contained another one tumor in medulla of the organ. The renal lesion was diagnosed renal cell carcinoma, clear cell type with undifferentiated cell sarcomatoid component. The adrenal neoplasm was composed of wavy S100-positive, Schwann-like cells and dispersed chromogranin A-reactive ganglion cells to be consistent with mature ganglioneuroma. It was accompanied by coexistent myelolipoma that contained hematopoietic cells including clearly visible megakaryocytes and foci of fat. To our knowledge, our paper is the first to report sporadic clear cell renal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid cell type component and mature adrenal ganglioneuroma with myelolipoma in the same patient.

Solitary ganglioneuromatosis of the descending colon, presenting as giant retroperitoneal tumour

Ganglioneuroma (GN) is a benign neoplasia of the autonomous nervous system, colonic GN is uncommon in adults. There are three subgroups: polypoid GN, ganglioneuromatous polyposis and diffuse ganglioneuromatosis. Ganglioneuromatosis is highly-associated to neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2b (MEN2B). A 68-year-old female, with a discrete retarded emission of stools, was admitted for a large tumor in the left flank; CT scan, urography and barium enema demonstrated a large retroperitoneal mass, presumed as sarcoma. Open surgery discovered a 16 10 11 cm solid and encapsulated tumor, attached to the retroperitoneal descending colon, with no macroscopic mucosal involvement; the pathologic diagnosis of the resected specimen (en-bloc tumorectomy with limited colectomy) was intramural colonic ganglio-neuromatosis. Anamnesis, physical examination and complete endoscopic explorations showed no evidence of personal bearing or familial aggregation of genetic syndromes. In adults, association of transmural ganglioneuromatosis to NF1 or MEN2B is not mandatory; presentation often mimics obstructive carcinoma and positive diagnosis is provided by pathological examination of the resected specimen. In this peculiar case, the loose tissue of the retroperitoneal space favoured a slow development of intramural ganglioneuromatosis, presenting as a gigantic retroperitoneal mass with no radiological evidence of its colonic origin.

Bulge in the tonsillar fossa. Is it a quinsy?

A young girl presented to the ENT acute clinic with a persistent cough and a bulge in the left oropharynx. As there were no clinical signs suggestive of a quinsy, an MRI was performed that showed a large mass extending from the base of the skull to the epiglottis medialising the lateral and posterior pharyngeal walls. The patient subsequently underwent an excision biopsy which demonstrated a ganglioneuroma, however developed a left-sided Horner's syndrome and mild vocal cord palsy after.

Radiologic findings of thoracic scoliosis due to giant ganglioneuroma

A 28-year-old male with scoliosis presented with complaints of dyspnea and vomiting. His medical history revealed a mediastinal ganglioneuroma resection at the age of 2. After the surgery, he had not been followed up until his admission to our hospital. Computed tomography and MRI showed severe scoliosis of the thoracic spine and a paravertebral mass extending from the upper thoracic level to the level of renal arteries. Based on its radiological findings and the patient's history, the tumor was considered to be a recurrent ganglioneuroma. Paravertebral ganglioneuromas may cause progressive scoliosis, and a careful examination for patients with progressive scoliosis is mandatory.

Ganglioneuroma in a child with hereditary spherocytosis

Hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is the most frequent cause of congenital hemolytic anemia. Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) mimicking a mass may develop in the lymph nodes, kidneys, pleura, mediastinum, adrenal gland, and in particular the spleen and liver. Other than EMH, B-cell lymphoma, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and pancreatic schwannoma cases were reported in patients with HS. We present a 13-year-old female patient with HS and ganglioneuroma in the adrenal gland. This association is probably coincidental; however, with increasing cancer cases in HS and the genetic studies being made, this association will be clarified.

[A case of recurrent paraneoplastic cerebellar ataxia with antibodies to GluR epsilon 2 causally related to ganglioneuroma]

Acute cerebellar ataxia (ACA) in childhood following viral infection is a self-limited disease. We present a boy with recurrent episodes of paraneoplastic cerebellar ataxia associated with a ganglioneuroma. A 20-month-old boy developed the first episode of cerebellar ataxia after nonspecific respiratory tract infections. During this episode he showed a wide gait and truncal ataxia with intention tremor and horizontal nystagmus. Our initial diagnosis was ACA, and gradual improvement of ataxia was observed thereafter. At 2 years and 6 months, similar cerebellar symptoms recurred after respiratory tract infections. Speech difficulty and cognitive problems developed thereafter. We suspected paraneoplastic syndrome. Computed tomography revealed a retroperitoneal tumor, and autoantibodies against GluR epsilon 2 were detected in the cerebrospinal fluid. After the tumor resection, the cerebellar symptoms did not recur and speech difficulty and cognitive problems improved gradually. Recent neuroimaging and neuropsychological studies have revealed that cerebellar function contributes to higher brain functions including cognition and learning. We will follow up this patient's long-term cognitive function and consider special educational support and programs.

Bilateral and symmetric C1-C2 dumbbell ganglioneuromas associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 causing severe spinal cord compression

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Ganglioneuromas are rarely located in the cervical region compressing the spinal cord. Only two cases of bilateral and symmetric dumbbell tumor have been reported previously.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to present an additional case with bilateral and symmetric dumbbell ganglioneuromas of the cervical spine as part of multiple ganglioneuromas of the spine in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1).

STUDY DESIGN

The study design was a case report.

METHODS

A 15-year-old boy with NF-1 presented with a 6-month history of progressive tetraparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging showed voluminous bilateral and symmetric dumbbell masses at the C1-C2 level severely compressing the spinal cord. The spinal cord was also indented by a dumbbell mass at the left C3-C4 level. A systemic imaging survey of the patient showed numerous asymptomatic foraminal and extraforaminal tumors at all neuroforamina of the spine.

RESULTS

The result was found to be surgical decompression of the spinal cord by subtotal resections of bilateral tumors at the C1-C2 level and unilateral tumor at the left C3-C4 level alleviated patient symptoms. Histopathological diagnosis was ganglioneuroma for all resected tumors.

CONCLUSION

Multiple ganglioneuromas, particularly bilateral and symmetric dumbbell tumors, are extremely rare but could be associated with NF-1.

Ganglioneuroma of adrenal gland in a patient with Turner syndrome

A 15-year-old girl with Turner syndrome was unexpectedly found to have a left suprarenal mass. Extensive investigations showed a clinically and biochemically inapparent mass. Computed tomography disclosed a well-defined solid lesion in the left adrenal measuring 6.5 x 5 cm with minimal contrast enhancement. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was done. Histologic examination revealed an encapsulated mass originated from the left adrenal medulla. Tumor tissue comprised abundant collagen fibers and spindloid cells admixed with mature ganglion cells. The tumor was diagnosed as left adrenal ganglioneuroma. According to literature, we report the eighth case of ganglioneuroma complicating Turner syndrome. Patients with this syndrome are predisposed to the development of neuroblastoma and related tumors. Reasons for this predisposition might relate to genetic and hormonal factors. Given that these tumors are often limited stage and of good prognosis, we recommend their screening in all patients with Turner syndrome.

A ganglioneuroma of the sigmoid colon presenting as leading point of intussusception in a child: a case report

We present a case of intestinal ganglioneuroma (GN) of the sigmoid colon in a 5-year-old girl, which caused intermittent colocolic intussusception. Ganglioneuromas are rare benign tumors of the autonomic nervous system composed of mature ganglion cells and satellite cells. Colonic GNs are uncommon. The unusual intramural proliferation of neural elements in this case resembled the diffuse intestinal ganglioneuromatosis, which is known to be associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B. However, the specific mutations of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B were not found by genetic sequencing. This is the first pediatric case described in the literature of a solitary polypoid GN presenting as a colocolic intussusception. We present a brief overview of intestinal ganglioneuromatous lesions and associated conditions.

Extra-adrenal composite paraganglioma with ganglioneuroma component presenting as a pancreatic mass

Paragangliomas may have composite forms in which they combine features of a typical paraganglioma with those of a neural component consisting of either neuroblastoma, ganglioneuroblastoma, or ganglioneuroma. These variants are rare and generally located in the adrenal. Herein, we describe a retroperitoneal, extra-adrenal composite paraganglioma-ganglioneuroma of a 57-year-old woman. Radiological evaluation revealed a nodular mass with apparent pancreatic location, with findings suggestive of an endocrine tumor, yielding the diagnosis of a pancreatic endocrine tumor. At histology the neoplasm, strictly adhering to the external surface of the pancreatic gland but well demarcated, displayed a main central region with typical paraganglioma features and cells arranged in cords and in a nesting "zellballen" pattern, positive for neuroendocrine markers, and a distinct peripheral area consisting of dense bundles of wavy spindled Schwann cells, with scattered ganglionic cells.

Cerebellar gangliocytoma presenting with hemifacial spasms: clinical report, literature review and possible mechanisms

Cerebellar lesions have classically been considered not to cause epilepsy. However, previous reports have attributed seizures, beginning as hemifacial spasms to lesions of the cerebellar peduncles. We report an example of paroxysmal facial contractions associated with a cerebellar gangliocytoma. The seizures began on the first day of life and consisted of paroxysmal contractions involving the left orbicularis oculi, often the left forehead and lower facial muscles, sometimes accompanied by nystagmoid eye movements to the right and by head deviation to the left. Video-EEG monitoring showed only artifacts from muscle contractions. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a mass arising from the left superior cerebellar peduncle and partially occupying the fourth ventricle. The lesion was removed subtotally and partial seizure control was achieved. The neuropathological findings were consistent with a gangliocytoma. The literature in the association of cerebellar lesions with hemifacial spasms is reviewed and its possible mechanisms discussed.

Gangliocytoma associated with focal cortical dysplasia in a young-adult: a case report

Neoplasms and (non-neoplastic) focal dysplasias may coexist as a cause of seizures in both the developing and mature brain. Low grade neoplastic lesions (ganglioglioma/gangliocytoma) may present with seizures, and distinction of these lesions from focal cortial dysplasia is difficult on standard radiological imaging. We report a 24-year-old man who had complaints of tonic-clonic seizures for one week duration and was admitted to department of neurosurgery. He did not have any neurological deficit on his examination. Cranial computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the patient revealed a calcified, cystic lesion with contrast enhancement, in the left temporoparietal region. Subtotal resection of the mass was performed. Pathological examination revealed focal cortical dysplasia associated with gangliocytoma.

Combined gangliocytoma and prolactinoma of the pituitary gland

Gangliocytomas of the pituitary gland are rare lesions that often occur in combination with pituitary adenomas, which are frequently associated with the hypersecretion of pituitary hormones, particularly growth hormones. We report a case of combined gangliocytoma and prolactinoma of the pituitary gland. A 49-year-old male presented with vertigo. Radiological examination revealed an intrasellar tumor with a suprasellar extension, which was removed via the trans-sphenoidal approach. Histologically, the tumor was composed of adenoma cells, mature ganglion cells and cells with features intermediate between those of adenoma cells and ganglion cells (intermediate cells). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the ganglion cells and intermediate cells as well as adenoma cells to be positive for prolactin. No growth hormone-positive tumor cells were observed. The ganglion cells were positive for synaptophysin and neurofilament. The findings in this case are discussed in relation to hypotheses proposed for histogenesis, and the presence of intermediate cells supports three hypotheses. The first is that adenoma cells transform into ganglion cells, and the second is that both components originate from the embryonal pituitary cell rests, showing intermediate features between ganglion cells and adenoma cells. The last is that their common origin may be the same stem/progenitor cells in normal adult pituitaries.

Dopamine-secreting adrenal ganglioneuroma presenting with paroxysmal hypertension attacks

Adrenal ganglioneuromas are rare tumors originating from the neural crest tissue of the sympathetic nervous system. The clinical presentation for most patients is asymptomatic, and most of these tumors are hormone silent. We report a case of dopamine-secreting adrenal ganglioneuroma associated with paroxysmal hypertensive attacks in an adult patient. A 46-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with a 2-month history of right flank pain, and a 2-year history of paroxysmal hypertensive attacks associated with headaches, palpitations, nervousness, and sweating. Abdominal CT and MRI revealed a solid round tumor approximately 4 cm in diameter on the upper pole of the right kidney. Urinary levels of dopamine and homovanillic acid were slightly elevated, although urinary levels of metanephrine and normetanephrine were suppressed. The urinary levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and vanillylmandelic acid were within normal limits. Right adrenalectomy was performed for treatment purposes. Histological diagnosis of the tumor was a ganglioneuroma originating from the adrenal medulla. In conclusion, this is a case of dopamine-secreting adrenal ganglioneuroma associated with paroxysmal hypertensive attacks in an adult patient.

A fourth ventricular ganglioneurocytoma representing with cerebellar epilepsy: a case report and review of the literature

Fourth ventricular low-grade tumoral or dysplastic neuronal lesions have been reported as an epileptic focus for recently described cerebellar epilepsy in the form of repetitive and stereotyped attacks of hemifascial spasm, eye blinking, fascial movements, head deviation and dysautonomic manifestations. The case of a 3-month old infant having fourth ventricular mass with similar symptoms such as paroxysmal facial movements, eye blinking, eyelid contractions and abnormal head posture is reported in this article. After a few days of her admission, her attacks displayed a new form with altered consciousness and left limb jerks which were unresponsive to medical therapy. Following the surgical excision of the lesion 10 months ago, attacks disappeared and she is still seizure free. Histopathological diagnosis was ganglioneurocytoma. The seizures (which may be intractable in cerebellar epilepsy) are thought to have arisen from subcortical structures such as cerebellum, brain stem nuclei or the lesion itself. In the case of intractable episodes, surgical excision may prevent further seizures and help patients have a normal cognitive and motor development.

Carney's triad: a 16-year follow-up

We report a female teenager who presented with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the stomach and a paraganglioneuroma. She later developed a pulmonary chondroma, fulfilling the requirements of Carney's triad. This patient demonstrates the course of the disease, which included severe emotional symptoms. She died, at 30 years of age, 16 years after the onset of disease, riddled with metastases. Many patients with Carney's triad survive for many years, but we can not predict the prognosis in any patient. During her lifetime, the patient had considerable emotional suffering, perhaps because of her disease.

Lhermitte-Duclos disease associated with Cowden syndrome

Lhermitte-Duclos disease or dysplastic gangliocytoma of the cerebellum, is a rare cerebellar lesion, which can cause mass effects in the posterior fossa. It may occur sporadically, or in association with Cowden syndrome. Cowden syndrome or multiple hamartoma-neoplasia syndrome, is an uncommon autosomal dominant condition characterized by mucocutaneous lesions and systemic malignancies. We report two patients with Lhermitte-Duclos disease and associated Cowden syndrome. The clinical, radiological and histopathological features and management strategies of this rare disease complex are discussed.

Ganglioneuromatosis: an unusual cause of ileal stricture mimicking Crohn's disease

Ileal idiopathic forms of ganglioneuromatosis in adults are extremely rare and represent a challenging pathologic condition for the clinician. We present two cases of ileal ganglioneuromatosis consisting of stricturing lesions that mimicked clinical and radiologic features commonly observed in Crohn's disease patients with ileal involvement.

Anesthesia management of a ganglioneuroma with seizures presenting as pheochromocytoma

Ganglioneuromas (GN) are neural crest cell-derived tumors which may coexist with pheochromocytomas, secrete various neuropeptides or the symptoms may mimic that of a pheochromocytoma, producing hypertension or a hypotensive crisis during anesthesia for these tumors. We report here the case of a 7-year-old female child with an adrenal tumor suspected to be a pheochromocytoma, later confirmed by histology as a GN. This child presented with episodic headache, anxiety, palpitations and 3D helical (spiral) computed tomography of the abdomen revealed an adrenal tumor. In addition, the child was diagnosed to have a seizure disorder. She was managed as a pheochromocytoma. Although the child's preoperative catecholamine levels were normal, tumor manipulation caused a hypertensive crisis. We discuss the clinical characteristics of this unusual case, anesthesia management, and the postoperative course.

Adolescent thoracolumbar scoliosis secondary to ganglioneuroma: a two case report

STUDY DESIGN

Case report with review of literature.

OBJECTIVE

To report 2 cases of adolescent thoracic scoliosis secondary to paraspinal ganglioneuroma.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

There are many types of scoliosis caused by known etiological factors. However, to our knowledge, adolescent thoracic scoliosis caused by paraspinal ganglioneuroma is seldom reported.

METHODS

Case report.

RESULTS

The deformity of these 2 patients was well corrected, and the tumor mass of ganglioneuroma was resected intact. Minor loss of correction was recorded in the 2 patients at 6-month and 2.5-year follow-up, respectively. No recurrence of tumor was found.

CONCLUSION

Combination of scoliosis correction and tumor mass resection was a successful treatment for this kind of clinicopathological entity.

[Lhermitte-Duclos's disease associated to Cowden s disease: a case report]

Cowden's disease is a rare genodermatosis that is characterized for multiple cutaneous and visceral hamartoma . Lhermitte-Duclos's disease is a cerebelous lesion that consists in the displasic enlargement of the cerebelous circumvolution. It's incluyed in phacomatosis and usually presents associated to Cowden's disease, tuberous sclerosis and overlap syndromes.A 56 years old man, diagnosed in Dermatology with Cowden's disease ten years ago. In the extension study, he had hamartoma intestinal polip, esophagic glucogenic acanthosis and two solid thyroid nodules. The craneal TC didn't show significant alteration. Ten years after diagnosis a cerebral magnetis resonance was performed for intense cephalea, and it was found a bad-defined mass in right cerebelous hemisphere without contrast captation, compatible with cerebelous glangliocytoma.

Ganglioneuroma of small bowel mesentery presenting as acute abdomen

Ganglioneuroma is a rare benign tumor, usually seen in children and young adults, arising in the central nervous system. Ganglioneuroma of the mesentery is extremely rare; only one case has been recorded. We report the second case of a primary mesentery ganglioneuroma. The patient underwent surgical intervention for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.