Duodenal gangliocytic paraganglioma: A very rare cause for upper gastrointestinal bleeding: Case report with review of literature

Highlights

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  Gangliocytic paraganglioma is an exceedingly rare tumors that is mainly arises from the second part of the duodenum.

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  The tumor was first described by Dahl et al. in 1957.

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  The tumor has a characteristic 3 distinct types of cells: spindle cells, epithelial cells, and ganglion cells.

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  The tumor must be differentiated from other tumors.

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  Although it is a benign tumor but some cases have lymphatic or distant organ metastases.

Abstract

Introduction

Gangliocytic paraganglioma is a rare tumors mainly arises from the second part of the duodenum. The tumor is generally benign, but some cases are associated with lymph node or distant metastasis. It must be differentiated from other tumors. The main treatment is good local surgical resection. Most patients have good prognosis after an appropriate resection.

Case presentation

A 47-year-old male patient presented with recurrent attacks of epigastric pain and melena. The general examination revealed pallor with no jaundice. The abdomen was soft with no tenderness. There were no stigmata of chronic liver diseases. The hemoglobin level was 8 gm/dl with normal liver and renal functions. The patients received compatible blood. Endoscopy showed a large pedunculated polyp with ulceration in the second part of the duodenum just distal to ampulla of Vater. During surgery, the anterior wall of duodenum was opened, and a 4 cm pedunculated polyp was excised which was arising from the posterior wall of the duodenum just distal to the ampulla of Vater. The frozen section examination revealed a benign lesion. The final histopathology result was consistent with the diagnosis of gangliocytic paraganglioma. The patient had smooth post-operative recovery and no postoperative complications.

Conclusions

Gangliocytic paraganglioma is a rare tumor which mostly affects the second part of the duodenum. The tumor is considered benign but the possibility of the malignancy with lymphatic and distant metastases must be excluded before any surgery. The management plan must be addressed carefully and continuous follow up is recommended.