Abstract

Ganglioneuromas of the gastrointestinal tract are rare, but have an established association with genetic disorders, such as the multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndrome (type 2b) and neurofibromatosis (type 1). However, solitary ganglioneuromas are not associated with an increased risk for MEN 2b, neurofibromatosis type 1, or any other systemic conditions. Ganglioneuromas of the gastrointestinal tract have been reported to predominantly involve the colon and rectum, and are thereby occasionally detected during colonoscopy or surgery. Although there are no characteristic symptoms of solitary ganglioneuromas, symptoms can be induced by solitary ganglioneuromas, such as abdominal pain, bleeding, or obstruction, depending on the location and size. Herein we report a case of a solitary ganglioneuroma of the ileum. A 34-year-old man sought evaluation at our hospital for anemia. The medical and family histories were benign and there was no history of genetic disorders. The evaluation for anemia revealed iron-deficiency anemia and CT enterography revealed a single mass in the ileum. Laparoscopic resection of the lesion was performed and the pathologic examination confirmed an ileal ganglioneuroma. (Intest Res 2011;9: 11-50)

• Keywords: Ganglioneuroma; Ileum