Ganglioneuroma in Adrenal Incidentaloma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

With routine use of imaging techniques incidentally discovered adrenal masses have been detected with increased frequency. Among patients with adrenal incidentalomas, approximately 0-6%, were proved to be ganglioneuromas. These tumors are rare tumors and originate from the neural crest tissue of the sympathetic nervous system. Most patients are asymptomatic and most of these tumors are hormone silent. Though these are benign lesion, malignant transformation has been reported. No specific phenotype on imaging was concluded and may overlap with that of primary adrenal carcinoma. The specific diagnosis of adrenal ganglioneuroma requires either biopsy or surgical removal for documentation. Herein, we present a case of young man with an adrenal incidentaloma. No clinical symptom or sign was noted, and the essential hormonal study didn't reveal any abnormality. Since the possibility of malignancy can't be rule out, a laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed uneventfully, and pathological findings proved to be a ganglioneuroma. In conclusion, awareness of this rare entity may help the differential diagnosis of adrenal masses preoperatively.