Duodenal Gangliocytic Paraganglioma Requiring a Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Introduction. Duodenal gangliocytic paragangliomas (GPs) are a subclass of duodenal neuroendocrine neoplasms and are exceedingly rare. They have been associated with an indolent behavior; however, they can rarely metastasize. Radical resection like a pancreaticoduodenectomy is sometimes indicated. We hereby present a case requiring major surgery and perform a literature search about this disease. Presentation of Case. A 49-year-old Caucasian female, who presented with an upper gastrointestinal bleed, was found to have a hypodense mass in the second/third portion of the duodenum. A biopsy of the mass during upper endoscopy was inconclusive. A pancreaticoduodenectomy was recommended based on the high suspicion for a duodenal adenocarcinoma and was performed successfully. Her final pathology revealed a duodenal gangliocytic paraganglioma. Discussion. The majority of duodenal GPs present as gastrointestinal bleeds while others less commonly present with anemia, abdominal pain, duodenal obstructive symptoms, pancreatitis, or abnormal incidental findings on axial abdominal imaging. Duodenal GPs were initially viewed as benign tumors of the duodenum; however, there have been increasing incidence reports of hematogenous and lymphatic metastasis. Appropriate treatment of duodenal GPs is still controversial and ranges from local endoscopic submucosal resection to major radical surgery. Conclusion. Duodenal GPs are very rare tumors of the second portion of the duodenum presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding and local symptoms of surrounding organs. Local or radical resection is usually recommended to prevent bleeding and the minor risk of metastatic spread.