Imaging of retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the radiological appearance of retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma. We retrospectively reviewed seven cases of histologically proven retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma. Ultrasound and enhanced CT were obtained in all cases, and MRI in three cases. The masses were well-circumscribed, ranged in size from 5 x 3 x 3 to 10 x 6 x 4 cm. In three cases close relationships between the tumor mass and major blood vessels were noted, resulting in vessel displacement or surrounding, but without compression or occlusion. On ultrasound examination the tumor showed a heterogeneous solid echostructure. Non-enhanced CT showed homogeneous or mildly heterogeneous low attenuation, and a punctate calcification was seen in one case. Contrast uptake was absent (n = 1) or delayed (n = 6). Progressive but incomplete enhancement was observed in three cases. On MRI, T2-weighted images showed a high signal intensity. Dynamic studies depicted the same enhancement pattern as described on CT. Ganglioneuroma is a rare tumor which should nevertheless be included in differential diagnosis of retroperitoneal masses when presenting as a well-delimited tumor with possible tendency to surround or displace major blood vessels, low density on non-enhanced CT, and delayed progressive enhancement on CT and MRI.

CT and MRI findings of thoracic ganglioneuroma

“…It often occurs in the retroperitoneal space and posterior mediastinum [1][2][3]. Though abdominal ganglioneuroma is often summarised in the literature [3][4][5][6][7], thoracic ganglioneuroma is sporadic and rarely reported [8][9][10][11][12][13]. Because there is a lack of knowledge about thoracic ganglioneuroma, preoperative misdiagnosis often occurs in clinical practice.…”

Diagnostic imaging findings of pelvic retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma in a child: a case report with the emphasis on initial ultrasound findings

“…The tumor was homogeneous with relatively low attenuation without enhancement after intravenous contrast medium administration; e) coronal T2WI revealed a hyperintense lesion, which enhanced mildly on the delayed postcontrast T1WI. ganglion cell components is postulated to be responsible for the signal characteristics on MRI [2,14]. On CT and MRI, the ganglioneuromas demonstrate delayed enhancement pattern to a varying degree.…”

“…Ganglioneuromas are commonly asymptomatic, and the development of clinical symptoms depend on the localisation and the size of the tumour. Additionally, because of the malignant transformation of a small number of ganglioneuromas reported in the literature, early diagnosis and complete excision of the tumour is essentially important [1][2][3][4].…”

Differential Diagnosis of CT Images in Children with Neuroblastomas and Ganglioneuroblastomas

“…Ganglioneuroma, neuroblastoma and ganglioneuroblastoma all derive from developmental neural cells of sympathetic nervous system, but their differentiated degrees and biological behaviors are not consistent completely (Kubota et al, 2000). Ganglioneuroma belongs to benign tumors, frequently occurring in the young and adult, whereas both neuroblastoma and ganglioneuroblastoma pertain to malignant tumors, tending to occur in the children and teenagers (Otal et al, 2001;Nasseh et al, 2013). A lot of studies have revealed that CT scan can clearly show the focal location, size, morphology, internal structure, density and relationships with peripheral organs, and thus it is of great importance for preoperative qualitative diagnosis, selection of therapeutic regimens and prognostic evaluation (Liu et al, 2013;Sharp et al, 2013).…”