A Case Report of Duodenal Gangliocytic Paraganglioma – Is Duodenopancreatectomy Necessary?

Gangliocytic paraganglioma (GP) is an uncommon finding in the periampullary region of the duodenum. In the Department of General and Digestive Surgery of the Albacete University Hospital Complex, a 45-years-old patient was diagnosed with a 17x13mm hypervascular nodular lesion in the descending part of the duodenum during an examination for hepatic hemangiomas. Ampullectomy was performed, followed by a favourable postoperative period. Histological analysis proved GP. There were no involvement of lymph nodes and a malignancy potential, so the clinical and radiological follow-up opted. In conclusion, because such tumours have unpredictable behavior, we recommend local resection of the tumour, except in cases in which local or ganglionic progression is suspected or confirmed, and thus cephalic pancreaticoduodenectomy (CPD) and lymphadenectomy are suggested.