Clinicopathological Features of Ganglioneuroma Originating From the Adrenal Glands.

Abstract

Ganglioneuromas are benign tumors that rarely develop from adrenal glands. In this study, we present our clinical experience of patients with adrenal ganglioneuroma (AGN). Demographic, diagnostic, surgical, and pathologic findings of patients who were adrenalectomized as a result of AGN were retrospectively reviewed from the database of a tertiary referral hospital. Among 1784 patients who underwent an adrenalectomy between 2002 and 2015, 35 (1.9 %; 14 males, 21 females) were diagnosed with AGN. Mean age was 33.4 ± 18.7 years (0-84). Twenty-nine (82.9 %) were asymptomatic, four (11.4 %) complained of abdominal discomfort, and two (5.7 %) had abdominal distension. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) reported AGN in 22 (62.9 %) cases. Precontrast Hounsfield units, increased postcontrast phase attenuation, and well-defined borders were characteristic CT features of AGN. Mean tumor size was 6.3 ± 3.3 cm (range, 1.5-16.0). No recurrence occurred during a median follow-up period of 19 months (range, 1-120). AGN was asymptomatic in most cases and diagnosis may be challenging. Adrenalectomy is a safe treatment modality for AGN and ensures favorable outcomes when diagnosed.