Adrenal ganglioneuroma

Abstract

Background: A 20-year-old man was referred after having been discovered a left adrenal incidentaloma. Characteristics on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggested the diagnosis of adrenal ganglioneuroma or carcinoma. Pathological examination after adrenalectomy concluded it was an adrenal ganglioneuroma. We studied the characteristics of adrenal ganglioneuroma.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed hormonal status, computed tomography and MRI features, and histological findings of our series of 8 adrenal ganglioneuromas.

Results: Specific features were: (1) no hormonal hypersecretion; (2) presence of calcifications, no vessel involvement; and a non-enhanced attenuation of less than 40 Hounsfield units on computed tomography; and (3) low non-enhanced T1-weighted signal, a slightly high and heterogeneous T2-weighted signal, and a late and gradual enhancement on dynamic MRI, especially if associated with a whorled pattern.

Conclusions: Even if many aggressive tumors share some of those radiological features, the presence of all or most of them must lead the clinician to consider the diagnosis of adrenal ganglioneuroma.