DUODENAL GANGLIOCYTIC PARAGANGLIOMA - CT, MR-IMAGING, AND US FINDINGS

PURPOSE: To determine the imaging features of duodenal gangliocytic pa raganglioma that can be used to differentiate this mass from other les ions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Imaging, histopathologic, and surgical fi ndings in five patients with proved gangliocytic paraganglioma were re viewed. The most common symptom al presentation was abdominal pain (n = 3). All patients underwent computed tomography (CT), two underwent u ltrasonography (US), and one underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging . Imaging findings were correlated with findings from surgical resecti on specimens in all cases. RESULTS: All lesions were located around th e second portion of the duodenum and were 3-13 cm in diameter (mean, 6 .5 cm). Two extended laterally to the duodenum, two extended medially and one was intraluminal. All appeared solid and homogeneous on US, CT , and MR images and had homogeneous contrast material enhancement on C T and MR images. All were solid, with a prominent vascular network, bu t no cystic hemorrhage or necrosis was noted at pathologic examination . CONCLUSION: The imaging features of gangliocytic paraganglioma are s uggestive enough for the prospective diagnosis and differentiation of this benign mass from other lesions.